In their chair: UMKC Dental School

A number of my fellow UMKC students have learned how to be doctors while working in my mouth. Sometimes for hours on end I wait as they practice their future trade. I have been a dental patient of the UMKC School of Dentistry for more than one year now.

Growing up, my parents did not have much money so braces were not an option for me in junior high or high school. After a career change, my dad makes more now than he ever has, but with my five younger siblings, my parents are not rolling in the dough.

When I transferred to UMKC and found out I could do my orthodontia at the Dental School for less than half the regular price, I was thrilled. With the help of my dad's insurance, we were able to pay for my braces completely.

The Dental School offers treatment to the community at amazing discounts. The services they offer make it possible for just about anyone to have adequate dental care.

For me, there have been some bumps on the road to straight teeth. The dental school offers extremely discounted prices, but the patient's mouth is the learning center for the dental student. At times I sat in the chair for more than four hours while my student doctor practiced studies using my mouth. The cost is low for a reason. Some of the dental students I worked with were learning a procedure for the first time using my mouth.

But just like in every learning environment, the instructor is a driving force behind the education. Every appointment is signed off by a professor who checks my mouth to make sure everything is done right.

There is amazing faculty at our Dental School. We have one of the best dental schools in the nation.

I was recently reassigned to a new student doctor, because my first one graduated.

I talked with him about the services the Dental School offers. He brought up a great point I had not thought of. He said if people have more money than time, the Dental School is not the place for them. But, if people have more time than money, the Dental School is an amazing service that could help them get the medical attention they need.

After hearing him say this I realized I don't have extra time or money. But my journey on Hospital Hill is almost over. And with the help from my student doctor, I know I will get the metal out of my mouth before I graduate next May.

rschmidt@unews.com