Sreenivas Koka, DDS, MS, PhD, MBA ’99, a former UNMC College of Dentistry faculty member and an alum, returned to the college to present “Patient Care that Makes a Profound Difference” during the Alumni Reunion Weekend, held Oct. 28-29.
The audience included third- and fourth-year dental students, alumni, faculty, staff and other oral health professionals from throughout Nebraska.
Koka’s presentation covered the decisions dentists make to offer unparalleled patient care. He used case studies to show how diagnosis, treatment planning and patient care is dependent on a multitude of factors both inside and outside the mouth, and how dentists can make a profound difference in patients’ lives by showing them compassion.
“I hope my presentation led the audience to reflect on what really matters in life. For example, focusing on feelings like love and kindness, as well as making each day count because time is so precious,” Koka said.
Koka’s presentation was filled with valuable information and inspiration. A key message was to live life without regrets.
“Often, we get caught up in the rat race of accumulating things or chasing goals that take us away from the things that really matter. It’s up to us to choose priorities that we will not regret choosing later,” he said.
It was an honor for the College of Dentistry to host Koka.
“It’s very important for oral health professionals to reflect on how to show patients compassion and kindness,” said Claire Koukol, DDS, an assistant professor in the college’s department of growth & development and president of the UNMC College of Dentistry Alumni Association.
“Everyone in the audience will remember Dr. Koka’s presentation throughout their careers,” she said.
Koka spent twelve years in Lincoln and said “coming back to UNMC is like coming home.”
He joined the College of Dentistry faculty in 1992 and received his PhD in oral biology in 1999. He was recognized with the College of Dentistry Outstanding Teacher Award on numerous occasions and was the inaugural Merritt C. Pedersen Professor of Dentistry.
After leaving UNMC, Koka’s professional journey included joining the staff of the Mayo Clinic, becoming executive director of the Foundation for Oral Rehabilitation in Zurich, Switzerland, and opening the Koka Dental Clinic, a private practice focused on implant and removable prosthodontics in San Diego.
He was appointed dean of the University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Dentistry in April 2021.
“Seeing so many dear friends and alumni at the Alumni Reunion was memorable. The college took a chance on a young kid right out of his residency and gave me my first academic job,” Koka said. “The faculty, alumni, staff and students let me grow as an educator, researcher and clinician and nurtured me through the numerous mistakes I made along the way.”
“I love Nebraska, and to feel Nebraska’s love for me was very special,” he said.
“There is no place like Nebraska.”