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Interview With Dr. Kneka Smith: A.T. Still University Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health’s New Dean
Learn more about Kneka P. Smith, Ed.D., M.P.H., as she begins her tenure as dean at A.T. Still University Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health (ATSU-MOSDOH) in the interview below.
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Kneka P. Smith, Ed.D., M.P.H.
Q: You have been working at MaineHealth in Portland, ME—what drew you to ATSU-MOSDOH in St. Louis?
Returning to ATSU feels like a natural professional homecoming. Having previously held several leadership roles across the university system in both Mesa, AZ, and Kirksville, MO, I know firsthand the strength of the institution and its culture. What draws me back is alignment with ATSU’s mission of being a learning-centered university dedicated to educating the next generation of health professionals through innovative academics and community-rooted partnerships. I am eager to build on that foundation and make a meaningful difference for our students, faculty and the communities we serve.
Q: You were the dental director for the State of Arizona—how do you think that differs from the State of Missouri?
Both Missouri and Arizona have mature state oral health programs working diligently to address complex population health needs. While the demographics and specific systemic challenges and resources differ, Missouri faces significant rates of untreated oral disease varying widely by demographics and socioeconomic lines. As the state dental director in Arizona, my biggest takeaway was that sustainable impact requires a deep understanding of a community’s unique assets and barriers. I carry that perspective directly into my leadership at ATSU-MOSDOH.
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Whether our students are serving rural or urban populations, our curriculum is designed to immerse them into real-world experiences early and often, including through our primary clinical setting, which is in partnership with a federally qualified health center. ATSU-MOSDOH has strengths in commitments to veterans, medically complex patients and underserved populations. My goal as dean is to advance efforts already in place and work to best position the school to care for patients and communities through student experiences that will best prepare our graduates to serve Missouri communities or whichever communities they practice in throughout their careers.
We are entering a pivotal period of growth. ATSU-MOSDOH is preparing for a class expansion in 2027 of 21 additional students per class. Our students spend their first two years building foundational knowledge and skills in Kirksville before transitioning to St. Louis for immersive clinical education with our exceptional faculty. In the St. Louis Dental Center, we provide a welcoming comprehensive dental home where no patient is turned away based on ability to pay.
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While our clinical care delivers immediate community relief, our enduring impact lies in our graduates. We are strategically designing student experiences, so every graduate enters the workforce equipped with top-tier clinical expertise, public health literacy and leadership skills—positioning them to drive meaningful patient and community change over an entire career.
Q: How have your previous roles prepared you for the dean’s role at ATSU-MOSDOH?
My career spans three interconnected sectors including public health, higher education and hospital administration. As a state dental director, I led interprofessional teams to set health priorities, draft policies, implement population strategies and measure population outcomes. In higher education, I have led initiatives in curriculum design, assessment, programmatic accreditation, student affairs and institutional partnerships. In hospital administration, my portfolio included health care provider education, research and health care innovation.
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Across all three sectors, the constant threads have been strategic positioning, collaborative partners and team empowerment. Leading high-performing, multi-disciplinary teams is essential for transformational growth. In my initial days as dean, I have prioritized listening to and learning from our remarkable faculty, staff and students. Moving forward my focus will include outreach to alumni and on cultivating key external partnerships to propel our mission even further.
Q: Would you share an interesting tidbit about your family?
I grew up as the oldest in a large family in a coastal New England community where education, integrity and hard work were deeply valued. Today, I am the proud parent of four adult children, each navigating their own exciting pathway through higher education and into their respective careers.
Q: What is a guiding principle or philosophy that shapes your academic or leadership journey?
Hailing from a coastal community, where twice daily the tides changed, we visibly saw how “a rising tide lifts all boats.” This adage defines my leadership framework. Exceptional outcomes are built on healthy, empowered and high-performing teams. One of my primary roles as dean is to listen deeply, invest in the growth of people and create institutional structures supporting faculty, staff and students to flourish. When we elevate every individual on our team, the entire institution—and the communities we serve—ripple with success.
Courtesy of A.T. Still University Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health