State Names New Chief Dental Consultant Dr. Megan Krohn


T


he Missouri Department of


Health and Senior Services (DHSS) announces Megan Krohn, DDS, as the new Chief Dental Consultant. She assumed her position June 16 and will develop and oversee core public health activities aimed at improving oral health in Missouri.


Krohn has nine years of working in the dental industry, most recently working at Swope Health, one of Missouri’s largest federally qualified health centers where she served as the Executive Vice Presi- dent of Dental Services. During her time at Swope Health, Krohn increased access to patient care through clinic expansions, mobile dental care, and development of innovative practices such as integrated care models. Prior to working at Swope Health, Krohn worked in a private prac- tice. She graduated from UMKC School of Dentistry in 2016 with oral surgery honors.


Dr. Krohn is a member of the ADA, MDA and Greater Kansas City Dental Society. She is also a member of the National Network for Oral Health Access where she serves on multiple committees and is the State of Missouri Ambassador. In 2024, she was inducted as a Fellow to the Pierre Fauchard Academy and began service as a Delta Dental of Missouri Board Member. Incisal Edge Magazine honored Krohn as a “40 under 40” hon- oree for her work in expanding access to oral health care.


Krohn’s position will be located within the Office of Dental Health. Over the past 5 years, the Office has earned five new grants to help improve Missourians’ oral health and the oral health workforce.


Read the entire news release at: bit.ly/4jYLswx


Foundation Awards Dental School Scholarships T


he MDA Foundation Board met in March to make selections for their 2025-2026 dental student scholarship recipients. After thorough discussion and deliberation, they slowly whittled down a pool of 21 worthy applicants to the following six winners. Each will re-


ceive $5,000 toward their tuition next school year. Since 1999 the MDA Foundation has awarded $396,000 in scholarship support to Missouri dental students. Congratulations to these future MDA members! Learn more about supporting the Foundation at modental.org/foundation.


Michael Allison, UMKC 2026 — Michael grew up in Branson, Mo., where he attended Branson High before earning a biology degree from Evangel Univer- sity. Michael is super active in a variety of activities from mentoring younger students to helping with outreach to the homeless to serving as Executive Secretary in the Oral Surgery Club. His family has always modeled service to others including his mother’s obstetrics practice and patient care as well as his grandparents’ many mission trips. Michael plans to continue that model upon graduation.


Sydney Bauer, UMKC 2026 — A 2019 Fox High School grad in Arnold, Mo., Sydney earned a biology degree from UMKC before enrolling in dental school. Her passion for dentistry was born from her first experience in the dental chair as a child. Inspired by her dentist’s ability to provide care in a compassionate way, she knew not everyone had access to such care. She’s fanning that flame by volunteering with the JayDoc clinic. Upon graduation, Sydney wants to own her own practice, be a Medicaid provider and host annual Give Kids a Smile events.


Jason Firth, UMKC 2026 — Jason hales from a dental family. Both his father, Dr. John Firth, and his brother, Dr. Justin Firth, are MDA members. Jason grew up in St. Louis and attended Lindbergh High. After graduating from BYU, Jason returned to Missouri to attend dental school where he serves in many roles including as President of the ASDA chapter where he’s developed an appreciation for organized dentistry. He has helped raise funds for both ASDA involvement and to support the ongoing work of the JayDoc clinic which has shaped his desire to serve the underserved. Providing dental education to children is a motivating factor as well.


Makenzie Montie, UMKC 2026 — A central Missouri native, Makenzie went to Rockbridge High in Columbia before earning a Health Science degree from the University of Central Florida. After two years working in a dental office, she learned the power of preventive care and education and that led to dental school. Makenzie’s interests lie in leadership and mentoring. Beyond many dental school activities, she serves as a CASA volunteer which is fueling her passion to treat vulnerable children.


Tim Nguyen, UMKC 2026 — Tim’s life has been deeply marked by his parents’ story as Vietnam refugees who escaped by boat as teenagers to begin a new life in America. They have instilled in him an appreciation for the opportuni- ties afforded him. He has responded with an extensive resume of service and achievement. His school experience has revealed the many barriers to access and Tim plans some untraditional hours and approaches in his practice upon graduation to serve his community well.


Kyler Simoncic, UMKC 2027 — A small-town childhood of hunting and fishing and working hard in Sedalia, Mo., formed Kyler’s vision for the future. After graduating from Smith Cotton High and attending Central Missouri Universi- ty, Kyler adjusted to the big city environment in Kansas City where he jumped into volunteer activities such as KMOM and attending the ASDA District 8 conference. He’s determined to return to a small town and provide care with the same values he was raised with. This meets a big need as many rural dentists are retiring.


ISSUE 2 | SUMMER 2025 | focus 9


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