Creighton University School of Dentistry

No place like Omaha. No place like Creighton. 🏠🐦

The Creighton University School of Dentistry has been awarded up to $4.625 million through the Rural Health Transformation Grant to expand access to oral healthcare across Nebraska's rural communities.

The funding will support rural clinical rotations, emergency room diversion clinics and patient navigation services that help connect underserved populations with the care they need.

"We hope this experience in public health dentistry will influence how and where our students choose to practice, and that more will be encouraged to consider staying and practicing in Nebraska or in rural America where dentists are so desperately needed after graduation," said Jillian Wallen, BDS, MS, MBA, dean of the Creighton University School of Dentistry.

Learn more: https://www.creighton.edu/news/creighton-school-dentistry-awarded-rural-health-transformation-grant

Great dentists are trained to deliver exceptional care. But building a successful practice takes more than clinical expertise.

Creighton prepares future and practicing dentists to lead with confidence by understanding the business behind the profession. Through our Practice Management Certificate, students gain practical skills in financial management, leadership and operations that shape long-term success.

Because the biggest decisions in a dental career aren’t just clinical. They’re business decisions.

Strengthen your path with the knowledge to build a practice that works for you and your patients.

🔗Learn more: https://www.creighton.edu/blog/business-skills-shape-successful-dental-practice

There isn't always a single "right" answer in healthcare.

As a student at Creighton’s School of Dentistry, Serena Wong has learned that patient care requires balancing clinical expertise with real-life factors like health history, finances and personal goals.

One patient arrived hoping dental implants would be the best solution. After carefully evaluating the patient's circumstances, Serena worked alongside them to develop a treatment plan that better fits their needs.

"Patients deserve to have full ownership of their care and feel comfortable asking clarifying questions without judgment," Serena says.

Through hands-on experiences, Creighton students develop the critical thinking, adaptability and compassion needed to provide exceptional patient-centered care. 🦷💙

Creighton School of Dentistry students recently welcomed Special Olympics athletes from across Nebraska for Special Smiles®, a program designed to promote oral health through screenings, education and preventive care recommendations.

The event provided valuable hands-on learning opportunities for our students while helping athletes gain a better understanding of their oral health needs and access important resources.

Thank you to the athletes, volunteers and organizers who made this meaningful experience possible. 🪥🦷

Creighton University School of Dentistry has named Kristen Nichols, BS’01, DDS’05, as the inaugural Dr. Joseph and Rita Barsetti Digital Innovation in Dentistry Endowed Professor.

This historic professorship reflects Creighton’s commitment to advancing innovation, research and education in digital oral healthcare. In her role, Nichols will serve as director of digital initiatives and help expand programming in digitally integrated clinical care, curriculum development and research.

“My vision is to strengthen Creighton’s position as a national leader in digital dentistry by expanding interprofessional partnerships, increasing digital literacy across all departments, and fostering a culture of innovation,” Nichols says.

Her leadership will help prepare future clinicians to thoughtfully integrate emerging technologies into patient-centered care while advancing the future of dental education. 💙

“Creighton holds so many memories and milestones for me.”

For Class of 2026 graduate Joey Braun, DDS, reaching this moment has taken years of hard work, sacrifice, determination and the support of those around him. Having spent both his undergraduate and dental education at Creighton, he reflects on a journey filled with meaningful milestones and personal growth.

“One of the greatest feelings is to use our gifts to give to others.”

That belief, strengthened through Creighton’s culture of service and whole-person care, will continue to guide his work as he begins his dental career in Hawaii, where he hopes to make a meaningful impact.

Congratulations, Joey, on this incredible achievement!

For Sam Markham, Creighton was more than a place to learn dentistry. It was a place where his family grew, his purpose deepened and his calling to serve became clearer.

Following graduation, Sam will begin an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, where he will continue building on the clinical foundation and service-minded approach shaped at Creighton while helping prepare sailors and Marines for mission readiness.

“Creighton allows students to gain a strong clinical foundation while emphasizing service to others. Creighton is one of one, and I will forever be indebted to the School of Dentistry and my professors.”

From marrying his wife, Mikaela, at St. John’s after his D1 year to welcoming their daughter, Merritt, during D4, Sam’s Creighton journey has been filled with meaningful milestones.

We are proud to celebrate Sam and wish him and his family the very best in this next chapter! 🇺🇸🦷

As graduation season comes to a close, we’re reflecting on the moments and memories that shaped the journey for the Creighton School of Dentistry Class of 2026.

Congratulations again to our graduates. We are proud of all you’ve accomplished and grateful to have been part of your journey.