Charles Squire to receive School of Dentistry Alumni Achievement Award

Dentist Charles F. Squire (DDS ’68) admired health professionals when he was growing up in the small town of Fredonia, Kansas.

“They were egalitarian, giving freely to those in need, respected by all, leaders of the community and examples of what true professionals should do; that is, putting others before self,” Squire said. “The profession of dentistry was just a natural progression of my desire to be a professional.”

In Wichita, Squire is a semi-retired periodontist, a dentist specializing in preventing and treating gum disease. He is serving a second term on the Kansas Dental Board.

Squire works with the Dental Lifeline Network in Kansas, which administers the Donated Dental Services Program. The program has volunteer dentists who treat, at no charge, people who fall through the cracks of eligibility for other socially supported programs, most of whom are elderly or disabled. He also gives his time and talents to his alma mater, the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry.

Each year, the UMKC Alumni Association recognizes 16 alumni and one family with top honors. UMKC will honor Squire and other outstanding alumni at the 2016 Alumni Awards Luncheon April 21 at Swinney Recreation Center. The luncheon is one of the university’s largest events and proceeds support student scholarships. Last year’s luncheon attracted nearly 600 attendees and garnered more than $141,000 in student scholarships.

Squire helped the UMKC School of Dentistry establish a resource in practice management.

“There are so many complex decisions facing new graduates of dental school,” Squire said. “They need the most current information and experience in practice management and innovative technical instrumentation in order to avoid costly mistakes that may affect their professional judgment and ethical behaviors.”

Squire gives back to his alma mater because he believes it is his ethical obligation. He says: “All true professionals have obligations to ensure that the new members of their profession are the best educated, best trained and receive exceptional clinical experiences while in professional school. Without someone having confidence in me over 50 years ago, I would not have had such a rewarding professional career.”

His advice for those following in his footsteps: “First and foremost, always take care of your patients to the best of your ability technically, with compassion and empathy,” Squire said. “Be very thankful that you have chosen a wonderful profession. Work hard to ensure that it remains a true profession.”

Click here for tickets or sponsorship information for the April 21, 2016 Alumni Awards Luncheon. Click here for more information on the 2016 Alumni Awards recipients.