New Board Leadership
Spring of 2020 marks the time for new leadership on the three alumni boards that serve the UMKC School of Dentistry: Roy J. Rinehart Memorial Foundation, Dental Alumni Association and the Dental Hygienist Alumni Association. The school has immense gratitude for the outgoing leaders for their guidance during such unprecedented times.
Roy J. Rinehart Memorial Foundation
Spring 2020 Rinehart Board Meeting – hosted via Zoom
Dr. David Suchman, Chair, 2020-2022
Dr. David Suchman (DDS ’00, AEGD ’01) has practiced in the Kansas City area for 20 years. After graduation he joined his father, Rodger Suchman (DDS ’70), at his practice in Independence, Mo. He is a fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry and a member of the ADA, AGD, ACD, MDA, GKCDS and several study clubs. His passion for continuing education serves him (and us) well as a member of the Midwest Dental Conference Program Committee, and he has most recently served as secretary on the Rinehart Foundation Board.
“I am extremely fortunate with everything UMKC School of Dentistry has given me and my family. With my father Rodger, my wife Kelly (DDS ’00, AEGD ‘01) and myself all graduating from UMKC SOD, I feel an obligation to give back to the institution which has given us so much. I can’t think of a better opportunity to give back than by participating on the Rinehart Board, and now as the Rinehart Chair. We will continue to keep UMKC an excellent choice for dental education by providing scholarships for students, support for faculty and updated facilities.”
Dental Alumni Association
Dr. Bernard Petkovich, President, 2020-2021
Dr. Bernard Petkovich (DDS ’79) is the owner and general dentist at Petkovich Family Dentistry in Mountain Home, Ark. He is a fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and has been certified in laser dentistry. He is a member of the ADA and the Arkansas Dental Association. Petkovich has served a five-year term as a trustee of the UMKC School of Dentistry Dental Alumni Board and is back to serve an additional term on the board.
“I am excited about the opportunity to re-energize the school as we move past these challenging times. I look forward to continuing to strengthen the school’s relationship with graduating classes and develop a positive, reuniting environment for the 2021 Midwest Dental Conference.”
Dental Hygienist Alumni Association
Spring 2020 DHAA Board Meeting – hosted via Zoom
Danielle Grotheer, President, 2020-2021
Danielle Grotheer (BSDH ’11) is a dental hygienist it the Kansas City area. Grotheer started her career in dentistry as a certified dental assistant working at UMKC. Since graduating from the dental hygiene program, Danielle has worked in a public health clinic, as an oral consultant for the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, and taught dental hygiene at the School and at Johnson County Community College. She also works part-time in a private practice and is a Young Clinical Representative. She has served on the board of the Missouri Dental Hygiene Association and is a past president of the Greater Kansas City Dental Hygiene Association.
“I am so happy to be a part of this association and support my alma mater, students and alumni. The DHAA is such a delightful association bringing together friends and networking opportunities, while also supporting students, faculty, and alumni through scholarships and grants. I am looking forward to the 2021 Midwest Dental Conference where we will continue to bring prominent speakers with interesting topics along with our fun and newly revamped Alumni and Friends Luncheon. It is going to be a fantastic year!”