SIUE School of Dental Medicine alum Kasey Kirchner, DMD, receives national award

EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine class of 2016 alumnus Kasey Kirchner, DMD, of Mulkeytown, has earned the Academy of Osseointegration’s (AO) Outstanding Dental Student in Implant Dentistry Award for 2016.

“I am extremely honored and grateful to receive this award, and am eager to use this opportunity to expand my education and experience in implant dentistry,” Kirchner said. “Implant dentistry is an exciting field and a valuable treatment option for my future patients.”

Kirchner is a resident in the SIU School of Dental Medicine’s Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) Program. The program is designed to refine and enhance residents’ clinical skills and scientific knowledge, while bridging the gap between dental school and general dental practice. Upon completion of the program, Kirchner plans to practice dentistry in rural Southern Illinois.

“The SIU School of Dental Medicine’s AEGD Program will equip me with the knowledge and skills to effectively treat patients in an office setting,” Kirchner said. “I hope to handle more complex cases and provide a wide range of services in order to treat patients who would not be capable of traveling long distances to see specialists.”

Award winners receive a free year of AO membership and $500, among other honors. Kirchner will also receive free registration for the AO annual meeting set for March 15-18, 2017, in Orlando.

The SIU School of Dental Medicine students manage approximately 35,000 patient visits each year at its patient clinics in Alton and East St. Louis. In addition, students offer oral health treatment, screenings and education to more than 10,000 people annually through a wide variety of off-campus community outreach events. These opportunities provide students the training they need to graduate and become highly skilled dentists. The School of Dental Medicine is a vital oral health care provider for residents of southern and central Illinois, and the St. Louis metropolitan region.

More like this:

Multiple Area Grads Included: SIU School of Medicine Awards Degrees to 72 New Physicians and Scientists

May 24, 2026

Dr. Nick Berkenbile Joins Chapel and Keller Dentistry 

Feb 14, 2026

Vintage Voices Director Diana Enloe Honored With Lifetime Achievement Award  

Jun 23, 2026

100 Years Ago: Inspector of Hygiene for Alton Schools Makes Annual Report

Jun 28, 2026

Durbin Visits Chestnut Health Dental Clinic In Bloomington, Talks Improving Access To Dental Care For Illinoisans Amid Critical Shortages

Jun 30, 2026