Schedule of Events

Welcome remarks provided by Gerry Kugel, DMD, PhD, Dean, UNMC College of Dentistry.

All in the Family: Opioids, Optics, and Oral Health

This two-hour session will be presented by College of Dentistry legacy family Jim Jenkins, DDS ‘84, and Marty Wolff, DDS ‘18 (Jim’s son-in-law), with speaker introductions by Bailey Jenkins-Kerr, DH’15 (Jim’s daughter).

Fentanyl and Fluoride Update 2026: What Every Oral Health Professional Should Know, Presented by Jim Jenkins, DDS ‘84

In this fast-paced seminar, Dr. Jenkins will discuss the fentanyl epidemic on a national and local basis, including information every oral health professional needs to know. Learning objectives include the status of fentanyl use in the United States, the small dose of fentanyl that can lead to death, and how oral health professionals can intervene on behalf of a patient. Also discussed will be the status of fluoride in public water systems in Nebraska and nationally, and proposed legislation banning its use in those water systems and the effects on public health.

Evidence-Based Use of Diode Lasers in Dental Practice, Presented by Marty Wolff, DDS ‘18

This course provides an evidence‑based overview of dental laser technology and clinical applications in dentistry and dental hygiene. Participants will learn the fundamentals of laser physics, including laser wavelengths, tissue interaction, and safety principles necessary for responsible clinical use. The course specifically reviews diode laser systems and explains indications, advantages, and limitations. Emphasis is placed on the role of lasers in periodontal therapy, soft‑tissue procedures, desensitization, and adjunctive use in preventive and therapeutic dental hygiene care. Clinical protocols, patient selection, contraindications, and documentation requirements are discussed to support safe, effective, and legally compliant treatment. Upon completion, participants will be able to describe how laser technology enhances patient comfort and expands treatment options within the scope of dental and dental hygiene practice.

Gerry Kugel, DMD, PhD, Dean, UNMC College of Dentistry, will provide a state of the college update. Then, current College of Dentistry students will take groups on tours of the building.

Our class will get together before the Alumni Reunion Reception. Location is currently TBD but will be shared soon.

Registration includes a dinner buffet and two drinks. 

The evening program will include remarks from the Dean, alumni awards, honor class recognition, and musical entertainment. Honor classes will be seated together, recognized during the program, and have a group photo taken by the reunion photographer.

Immediately following the Alumni Reunion Reception, our class will continue the celebration in the Prairie Room at the Nebraska East Union.

Join the College of Dentistry Alumni Association for an indoor tailgate at the Embassy Suites Downtown Lincoln in the Ballroom. The tailgate will open two and a half hours before the announced game time.

Registration includes a two-entree meal, dessert, and iced tea. Cash bar available. Pre-registration for the tailgate is required for space planning purposes.

As of August 14, our block of football tickets is sold out. To be added to a waitlist, please email unmcalumni@unmcalumni.org. Please note that being added to the waitlist does not guarantee you will receive tickets.

The College of Dentistry Alumni Board has secured a block of 40 football tickets, available for purchase in pairs. Tickets are $80 each and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Per the Nebraska Athletic Department, all tickets will be delivered electronically via the Huskers app. Printed tickets are not available.

As of July 9, the game time has yet to be announced.