SIU School of Dental Medicine

Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine (SIU SDM) established an international partnership with UIC Barcelona/Universitat Internacional de Catalunya. By signing a strategic agreement with the Faculty of Dentistry in Spain, both Schools intend to strengthen international cooperation in dental education.

"This milestone marks the School’s first international partnership, making it especially significant. Our col...

 
Fighting the war in Vietnam, being deployed to armed conflict in Bosnia and training in Fort McClellan as a woman medic in the first integrated unit are just a handful of stories shared by patients who arrived at Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine (SIU SDM) Veterans Dental Care Day. On Thursday, Nov. 13, 112 third and fourth-year dental students, supervised by faculty, provided free comprehensive dental care for 92 veterans. The total value of the care: $49,779.00.

R...

“They cleaned my teeth really good, and now they feel a lot better,” said eight-year-old Kazan Mohammad who visited Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine (SIU SDM) during Give Kids A Smile (GKAS), a day of free comprehensive dental care for children aged three to 13. This day of care, which involved all D1 through D4 students, many graduate students, alumni, dental and biomedical faculty, is in its 20th year. The total value of treatment: $89,352.

“We’...

SIUE Alumni Hall of Fame Inductee Gives Keynote Address 

On Friday, Oct. 3, Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine (SIU SDM) recognized 50 first-year students (Class of 2029) and seven international advanced placement program students (IAPP, Class of 2027) during the traditional White Coat Ceremony. Hundreds of family members, friends, classmates and colleagues filled the Morris University Center’s Meridian Ballroom to celebrate the students as they pledged their pr...

Here are some of the recently published stories featuring Southern Illinois University Edwardsville students, alumni, faculty, and broader initiatives:

1. CNN Highlights SIUE’s Partnership with Illinois State Police on Cold Case Investigations; KMOX Radio Airs Coverage the Following Day

SIUE is receiving both regional and national attention for its innovative partnership with the Illinois State Police (ISP) to address unsolved homicides.

CNN featured the initiative on “CNN T...

The Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine (SIU SDM) recently announced the recipients of their 2025 spring scholarship awards, ranging in value from $2,500 to $15,000. The School presented 11 deserving D3 dental students with 13 scholarship awards, with a total value of $117,500. Donors boosted their spring 2025 scholarship support by $45,000 compared to the previous year. This amount represents an increase of 62 percent.

Saulius Drukteinis, DMD, MS, PhD, Dean of SIU SDM...

Free Information, Screenings and Prizes; Fraternity Gives Clinic $7,000  

Metro East residents received valuable information, participated in health screenings, enjoyed free haircuts, beauty services, clothing, lunch, and major door prizes during the Spring Forward Health and Wellness Fair, co-hosted by the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Nursing’s (SON) WE CARE Clinic in East St. Louis. 

The WE CARE Clinic partnered with the East St. Louis (IL) Alumni Cha...

The SIU School of Dental Medicine (SIU SDM) hosted its Annual Research Day on Tuesday, April 8 on the Alton Campus of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. The event offers the School the opportunity to highlight the exciting research endeavors taking place by students, residents and faculty at SIU SDM.

Barbara McCracken, PhD, Assistant Dean for Research at SIU SDM, served as this year’s emcee. She noted the importance of drawing attention to the remarkable range of re...

The Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine (SIU SDM), in collaboration with the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) Gies Foundation and academic leaders from Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, hosted a two-day speaker series on February 13-14, 2025, to promote academic dentistry and professional development. The first day encouraged SIU SDM students to consider academic dentistry as a career pathway, while the second day provided faculty with valuable insights into pro...

Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine (SIU SDM) proudly supported 84 veterans last week with their annual Veterans Dental Care Day, which offered free services provided to local area veterans on Thursday, Nov. 14. Dental care included cleanings, fillings, extractions and imaging, free of charge. According to Katie Kosten, DMD, director of Community Dentistry in the SIU SDM, the total value of community care was $43,479.

As the patients filed in, many began sharing stories with ...

On Friday, October 18, Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine (SIU SDM) recognized the progression of 51 first-year students (Class of 2028) and seven international advanced placement program students (IAPP, Class of 2026) to the role of student practitioners at the traditional White Coat Ceremony. In attendance to honor the dental students were Chancellor James T. Minor, PhD, Saulius Drukteinis, DMD, MS, PhD, Dean of SIU SDM, Denise Cobb, PhD, Provost and Vice Chancellor for A...

School Provided $113,530 of Free Dentistry to Alton-area Children

The Southern Illinois University (SIU) School of Dental Medicine (SDM) in Alton once again opened its doors to the community on Monday, Oct. 14, for its annual Give Kids a Smile Day (GKAS) clinic, offering free dental care to children in need over the October school holiday. The clinic served 190 children, 40 more than last year, and provided $113,530 worth of dentistry to the community, according to Katie Kosten, DMD, director o...

Nathalia Garcia, DDS, MS, Assistant Dean for Career Development at SIU School of Dental Medicine (SIU SDM), was recently nominated as one of five finalists to receive this year's Esperanza Award. The 2024 Esperanza Awards, hosted by the Hispanic Leaders Group of Greater St. Louis, is a signature event celebrating the achievements and contributions of the vibrant Hispanic community in the St. Louis region. The event this year was held on September 13 at the Missouri Athletic Club in St. Louis.

&...

The Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine (SIU SDM) begins its celebration of 50 years by starting the new academic year with a series of exciting events.

First, the annual orientation experience and a fall welcome event marked the arrival of first-year dental students and the return of continuing students. On July 31, the incoming SDM Class of 2028 arrived on campus for orientation, officially beginning their journey as SIU SDM dental students. The university-sponsored SDM f...

In a momentous celebration at the 2024 FDA Awards Luncheon in Orlando, the Florida Dental Association (FDA) named Christopher Bulnes, DMD, of Tampa as the Dentist of the Year. This prestigious honor highlights his exceptional dedication and transformative contributions to the dental profession, marking a significant milestone in his illustrious career. 

A dedicated leader in the dental community, Bulnes has held prominent positions at various levels, including serving as president of the H...

The SIU School of Dental Medicine (SIU SDM), in partnership with the BESt Healthcare Institute, was pleased to host Pre-Dental Day at the School’s Alton Campus. Collaborating with the BESt Healthcare Institute, SIU SDM students and faculty invited local underrepresented in medicine students to the School to encourage them to consider dentistry as a career path. This program was designed to offer these students the essential resources and mentorship needed to foster their interest...

The Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine (SIU SDM) has announced the recipients of the 2024 spring scholarship awards. This spring, the School was excited to present eleven deserving D3 dental students with generous scholarship awards, ranging in value from $2,500 to $10,000, and a total value of $72,500.

SIU SDM recognized Omar Albayati, William Hall, Elizabeth McDaniel and Nathaniel Peterson as the newest set of Dean’s Scholars this year. The Dean’s Schola...

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Chancellor James T. Minor, PhD, conferred Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degrees upon 55 graduates of the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine (SIU SDM) during their commencement ceremony held Saturday, June 1 at the First Community Arena at the Vadalabene Center on the Edwardsville campus.

The Class of 2024 began its journey toward their DMD degrees during a pandemic and ended it with a flood emergency in the School’s m...

The most recent additions to the SIU School of Dental Medicine’s executive team are Barbara McCracken, PhD and Nathalia Garcia, DDS, MS. Both faculty members are originating the positions of Assistant Dean for Research and Assistant Dean for Career Development respectively. Saulius Drukteinis, DMD, MS, PhD, and Dean at SIU SDM noted that these positions will be critical to the continued growth and progress of the School of Dental Medicine (SIU SDM).

“We are particularly fortunate to...

A Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Dental Medicine (SIU SDM) faculty member and alumnus has participated in the development of a new over the counter treatment for cold sores, minor cuts, minor burns, and insect bites.

Alan Wickenhauser, DMD, assistant professor in the Department of Clinical Dentistry and SIU SDM class of '98, is a member of the team responsible for a new product in the cold sore industry, Helocaine®. Wickenhauser says his colleagues at SIU-SDM and the S...

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s School of Dental Medicine (SIU SDM) held its 2024 Research Day, featuring a keynote speaker from the National Institutes of Health and the annual student table clinic competition. This year’s student winner presented a Retrospective Study to Evaluate Survival of Single Versus Multi-Unit Implant-Supported Prostheses. 

“Research Day was a testament to our unified spirit, going beyond academic achievement. Beginning with the shor...

A great dental program and a reasonable proximity to home are the main reasons Syniah Saffold, a second-year-student in the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), chose Southern Illinois University Edwardsville to begin her medical career. 

“I am majoring in pre-dental medicine,” said Saffold, a member of the Pre-Dental Association (PDA). “I researched the (Southern Illinois University) School of Dental Medicine in Alton and found out that it was a wonderful program.”&...

On November 9, the SIU School of Dental Medicine (SIU SDM) offered free comprehensive dental care to area veterans in honor of Veteran’s Day. During SIU SDM Veteran’s Care Day, third and fourth-year dental students performed exams, cleanings and 84 teeth extractions while treating a total of 88 veterans. Their story appeared in Riverbender.com. 
 
“Most veterans are not actually eligible for dental benefits through the VA, so many are left without a dental home,...

SIU School of Dental Medicine (SIU SDM) has opened registration for its annual Veteran’s Day event known as Veteran’s Care Day offering free exams, x-rays, cleanings, fillings and extractions to those who have military service. If this past Give Kids A Smile Day (GKAS) event, held annually during the October school holiday, is any indication, dental students and alumni will have a busy day in the clinic.

“They’ve been all smiles when they come in here,&#8221...

The White Coat Ceremony celebrating 50 Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine (SIU SDM) first year students representing the Class of 2027 and six international advanced placement students representing Class of 2025 was held on Friday, October 6 on the campus of Lewis and Clark Community College in nearby Godfrey, IL. SIUE Chancellor James T. Minor, PhD acknowledged the “privilege and responsibility” of pursuing a career in dentistry in a state where 2.8 m...

The Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine (SIU SDM) has announced the recipients of its annual Dean’s Scholarship, Dr. Larry A. Lowe Memorial Scholarship and its inaugural International Advanced Placement Program (IAPP) Scholarship Awards.

The IAPP Scholarship Award recognizes an outstanding student who has excelled throughout the first year of the program and has overcome significant challenges on their personal journey toward earning a Doctor of Dental Medicine....

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Chancellor James T. Minor, PhD, conferred doctor of dental medicine (DMD) degrees upon 56 graduates of the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine (SIU SDM) during their commencement ceremony held Saturday, June 3 at the First Community Arena at the Vadalabene Center on the Edwardsville campus.

“We are so impressed with what you have accomplished and how you have persevered during these challenging years,” said Saulius Dru...

The Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine (SIU SDM) is celebrating the class of 2023 and their accomplishment of achieving a 98% first-time pass rate on the Integrated National Board Dental Exam (INBDE).

“The SIU SDM Class of 2023 started their studies in 2019 pursuing their DMD through all of the challenges presented by the pandemic,” said SIU SDM Dean Saulius Drukteinis, DMD. “For this class to achieve a 98% first-time pass rate on the INDBE is truly a state...

Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine (SIU SDM) continues to show its commitment to student and faculty research through its annual Research Day. The event recognizes the global significance of outstanding research to advance the dentistry profession and dental education. 

“The dedication of the faculty mentors amalgamated with the genuine interest of the student researchers who worked together during the year, resulted in exciting research initiatives presented at...

Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine (SIU SDM) celebrated International Women’s Day with a learn and lunch presentation. The luncheon reflected on the transformation of society in the last decades and encouraged SIU SDM’s women to expand their individual skills and leadership, preparing themselves for success.

“We have so much to admire in the women who continue to pave pathways for opportunity and advancement,” Saulius Drukteinis, DMD, PhD, MS, dean ...

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Denise Cobb, PhD, has named Saulius Drukteinis, DMD, MS, PhD, as the dean of SIU School of Dental Medicine (SDM) following a national search. The appointment is subject to final approval by the Office of Human Resources and the Board of Trustees, with Dr. Drukteinis to assume his new role at SIU SDM on Monday, Jan. 16.

“Dr. Drukteinis brings great enthusiasm and commitment to the School of Dental ...

The Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine (SIU SDM) provided free dental care to 85 deserving veterans during the fifth annual Veteran’s Care Day on Thursday, Nov. 10. SIU SDM provided more than $45,000 worth of free dental treatment during the event, including cleanings, x-rays, fillings and extractions.

Veteran Marine John W. Smith attended the event for the first time. Due to various circumstances, he had to take three different buses just to get to the dental clinic...

Professors at the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine (SIU SDM) participated in a special issue of the Journal of Dental Education (JDE) addressing topics related to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB).

Nathalia Garcia, DDS, MS, was invited to contribute as a lead author for one of the manuscripts in the Special JDE Issue about DEIB. The research article was related to advancing women, parity and gender equity. Garcia along with SIU SDM’s Debra Dixon, DMD,...

Registration is now open for the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine’s (SDM) fifth annual Veteran’s Care Day being held Thursday, Nov. 10 at the SDM’s main clinic in Building 263, 2800 College Ave. in Alton.

“We are proud to offer our services to benefit as many veterans as possible,” said SIU SDM Director of Community Dentistry Katie Kosten, DMD. “Not all veterans have access to extensive dental care, so we are excited to once again bring ...

The Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine (SIU SDM) hosted its 21st annual White Coat Ceremony on Friday, Oct. 7.

The ceremony celebrated the first-year cohort of 49 dental students representing the Class of 2026, as well as six International Advanced Placement Program (IAPP) students comprising the Class of 2024.

Bruce Rotter, DMD, MS, SIU SDM graduate of the Class of 1982, former dean of the dental school, and recent SIUE Alumni Association Hall of Fame inductee, delivered the k...

Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine (SIU SDM) hosted its 17th annual Give Kids a Smile Day on Monday, Oct. 10, offering free comprehensive dental care to 129 children between the ages of 3-13. More than $61,000 worth of care was provided for free.

“The SIU School of Dental Medicine is an important asset to the community as we provide access to care for patients who have difficulty securing a dentist that can serve their comprehensive needs,” said Katie Kosten, D...

The Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine (SIU SDM) has expanded its graduate offerings with a specialty training program in orthodontics that was recently accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).

“Orthodontic treatment is a complex biological process that involves changes in the bones of the jaw and face as well as the overlying soft tissues, as teeth are moved with orthodontic appliances to their new positions,” said Achint Utreja, DDS, MS, P...

Southern Illinois University’s School of Dental Medicine (SDM) is celebrating its opening 50 years ago having welcomed its first class of 24 students on Sept. 11, 1972. SIU SDM was the first dental school to open outside of the Chicago area and helped fill the need for dentists in the central and southern Illinois regions.

The SIU SDM was dedicated on Oct. 3, 1972, with an event welcoming the governor’s wife, state senators and representatives and area dentists to the Alton campus.

At ...

Two recent Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine (SIU SDM) graduates Tara Habibi, of Springfield, and Priya Sapra Kullar, of India, have made history as the first to receive a Specialty Certificate in Endodontics from the SIU SDM.

The program, introduced in 2020, offers students an advanced educational curriculum and a clinical residency regimen focused on endodontics and is accredited by the Commission of Dental Accreditation (CODA) of the American Dental Association.

“By s...

The Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine (SDM) fall semester is underway, and to set the tone for a productive and collegial year, students gathered for a welcome event on Tuesday, Aug. 9. 

The SIUE Division of Student Affairs coordinated the event which included a taco lunch, wellness bags with health essentials, and Dairy Queen Blizzards handed out by SIUE Chancellor James T. Minor, PhD and Alton Mayor David Goins. Students also enjoyed participating in various games an...

The Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine (SIU SDM) has announced its annual Dean’s Scholarship and Dr. Larry A. Lowe Memorial Scholarship recipients.  
 
The Dean’s Scholarship was created to reward academic merit, assist financial aid, and increase student diversity within the SIU SDM. This year’s Dean’s Scholarship recipients include Talia Just, of Oak Brook, Noah Kippenbrock, of Carbondale, Mitchell Muller, of Petersburg, and Jesse Snyder...

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Chancellor James T. Minor, PhD, conferred doctor of dental medicine (DMD) degrees upon 55 graduates of the SIU School of Dental Medicine during their commencement ceremony held Saturday, June 4 at the First Community Arena at the Vadalabene Center on the Edwardsville campus.  

“You are a special group,” said SIU SDM Interim Dean Duane Douglas, DMD. “During the last four years, you have put in many hard hours and distinguished...

Throughout the year, dental students engage in intense and advanced research that brings them closer to their career paths. Following months of innovative and creative work, either individual or collaborative, Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine (SIU SDM) recognizes the global significance of such outstanding research at an annual event that features research presentations and awards. The annual SIU SDM Research Day highlights the importance of such work to advance the dentist...

The Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine (SIU SDM) hosted its 20th annual White Coat Ceremony on Friday, April 1 at the Gateway Convention Center in Collinsville.

The ceremony celebrated the first-year cohort of 50 dental students representing the Class of 2025 and six International Advanced Placement Program (IAPP) students comprising the Class of 2023.

SIUE Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Den...

The Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine (SIU SDM) is celebrating students in the class of 2022 for achieving a 100% first-time pass rate on the new Integrated National Board Dental Exam (INBDE). This is the second consecutive year for SDM students to attain this achievement.

The integrated examination for dental licensure, first administered in 2020, replaces the NBDE Part I and Part II, and covers the basic, behavioral and clinical sciences. According to the Joint Commission...

Southern Illinois University’s School of Dental Medicine (SIU SDM) invites parents of qualified children between the ages of 3-13 to attend the 13^th annual Give Kids A Smile Day from 7:30 a.m. to noon on Columbus Day, Monday, Oct. 8 at the School’s main clinic in building 263, 2800 College Ave. in Alton.

Children qualified to participate in the event are those eligible for free and reduced-priced meal programs. Pre-registration is not required. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. in th...

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville will honor eight remarkable graduates at the 2018 SIUE Alumni Hall of Fame ceremony, “A Night Among the Stars,” on Friday, Sept. 28 in the Morris University Center. The impressive alumni have made exceptional contributions in their chosen fields, in their communities and at SIUE through their leadership, character and hard work.

A cocktail reception in the Meridian Ballroom will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner and an awards presentati...

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Office of the Provost announced that Sandra Weissinger, PhD, is the recipient of the annual Teaching Excellence Award for tenure-track faculty. It is the most prestigious teaching award for an SIUE faculty member. Three additional faculty members were saluted for their teaching skills and accomplishments with Teaching Distinction Awards, and seven more received Teaching Recognition Awards.

Weissinger, PhD, is an assistant professor of sociology and ...

The Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine’s (SIU SDM) Alexandra Nash has been appointed as an editorial board contributing editor by the American Student Dental Association (ASDA) for 2018-19. Nash received the appointment at the January meeting of the ASDA Board of Trustees.

“I am thankful for this appointment, and look forward to representing both my class and school on a national level,” said Nash, a Lebanon native.

Nash was elected in August 2017 to a fou...

Fact or fiction? African Americans have disproportionately higher rates of cardiovascular disease-related risk factors such as hypertension, obesity and diabetes. A group of students attending Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Black Heritage Month community health fair on Tuesday, Feb. 13 were split in their responses. The answer is true. 

“Studies show that African Americans are at a higher risk of hypertension, obesity and diabetes than someone of Caucasian descent ...