Lyon College School of Dental Medicine News

The Lyon College School of Dental Medicine Patient Care Clinic is now accepting patients, offering comprehensive dental care provided by student dentists under the supervision of licensed faculty dentists.

The clinic combines affordable, high-quality dental services with hands-on clinical education, allowing students to gain valuable experience while serving the community in a modern, patient-centered environment.

Services include cleanings and exams, fillings, porcelain crowns and bridges, root canals, extractions, dentures and partials, implant therapy, clear aligner therapy, digital imaging and 3D technology.

“Our Patient Care Clinic represents the heart of our mission,” said Dr. Burke Soffe, founding dean of the Lyon College School of Dental Medicine. “If you don’t have a dental home, we invite you to make us your partner in achieving and maintaining a healthy smile. Our students work alongside experienced faculty dentists to provide compassionate, high-quality care in a state-of-the-art clinical setting.”

The clinic welcomes Medicaid patients and accepts walk-in and emergency patients on a first-come, first-served basis. It is typically open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Patient Care Clinic is located in Building 5 at 5 Allied Drive in Little Rock. Patients should park in the designated area marked “B5 Parking Only” and check in at the front desk on the first floor upon arrival.

To schedule an appointment or learn more about available services, contact the clinic at (501) 512-0230 or email dental.clinic@lyon.edu. Additional information is available at lyoninstitute.com/patient-services.

The Lyon College School of Dental Medicine has welcomed its second cohort of students, marking another significant milestone for Arkansas’s first dental school as it opens the doors to its new patient care clinic in Little Rock.

“This is a wonderful moment for Lyon College and for the state,” said Dr. Burke Soffe, founding dean of the Lyon College School of Dental Medicine. “We are excited to welcome our second class of students, who will help shape the future of oral health care in Arkansas and beyond.”

Approximately 35% of the students in the Class of 2029 are from Arkansas, and 51% have significant ties to the state. Another 43% come from states bordering Arkansas. The cohort includes 14 first-generation college students and two active-duty military members or dependents. Students range in age from 20 to 35, with an average age of 24.

The class also brings substantial clinical and service experience. More than 70% have worked or volunteered in dental clinics, including 46 students with clinical experience. Collectively, they completed nearly 19,700 hours of dental shadowing and more than 42,100 volunteer hours. The class has an average science grade-point average of 3.5 and an average Dental Admission Test score of 420. The highest score is 510.

“We have intentionally built a dynamic class of student leaders who are passionate about improving oral health in their communities,” said Dr. Jennifer Daniels, associate dean of student affairs and admissions. “They bring a wide range of academic, professional and personal experiences, but they share a commitment to service and expanding access to quality dental care.”

Located in Little Rock’s Riverdale neighborhood, the Lyon College School of Dental Medicine advances the college’s mission to expand health care education in Arkansas and the surrounding region. The three-year Doctor of Dental Medicine program combines rigorous academics, hands-on clinical training and a commitment to serving communities with unmet oral health needs.

Members of the Class of 2029 are as follows:

Arkansas

Mason Baltz of Pocahontas, Arkansas, graduated from the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor of Science in biology.

Paul Betts of Jonesboro, Arkansas, graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science in biological sciences.

Anna Bradford of North Little Rock, Arkansas, graduated from Baylor University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in management.

John Robert Burson of El Dorado, Arkansas.

Bella Cates of Garfield, Arkansas, graduated from Hendrix College with a Bachelor of Science in biology.

Liam Cook of White Hall, Arkansas, graduated from the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor of Arts in biology.

Ayden Cuzzort of Batesville, Arkansas, graduated from Arkansas State University with a Bachelor of Science in biological sciences.

Morgan Dailey of Little Rock, Arkansas, graduated from the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor of Science in biology.

Isaac Devine of Maumelle, Arkansas, graduated from Ouachita Baptist University with a Bachelor of Science in biology.

Macey Evans of Conway, Arkansas.

Acey Fahr of Paragould, Arkansas, graduated from the University of Arkansas with a pre-dental degree.

Jenna Harper of Bryant, Arkansas, graduated from the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor of Science in public health.

Lia Hendrix of Jonesboro, Arkansas, graduated from Arkansas State University with a Bachelor of Science in biology with an emphasis in pre-professional studies and a minor in health studies.

Christopher Henley of Springdale, Arkansas, graduated from the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor of Science in chemistry.

Spencer Honeycutt of Jonesboro, Arkansas, graduated from Arkansas State University with a Bachelor of Science in biological sciences.

Anne Rainey of Russellville, Arkansas, graduated from the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor of Science in food science and a minor in STEM education.

Aubrey Isbell of Conway, Arkansas, graduated from Harding University with a Bachelor of Science in food and nutrition.

Ella Jenkins of Little Rock, Arkansas.

Shurelle Johnston of Cabot, Arkansas, graduated from the University of Central Arkansas with a bachelor’s degree in biology.

Luke King of Hazen, Arkansas, graduated from University of Central Arkansas with a bachelor’s degree in biology.

Ann Masters of Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Taylor Michie of Conway, Arkansas.

Kinley Oholendt of Bryant, Arkansas, graduated from the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor of Science in biology and a minor in marketing.

McKinzee Rainbolt of Sheridan, Arkansas, graduated from Arkansas State University with a Bachelor of Science in biology with an emphasis in pre-professional studies and a minor in nutritional sciences.

Amrusha Ranjith of Bentonville, Arkansas, graduated from the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor of Science in public health.

Nicolas South of Paragould, Arkansas, graduated from the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor of Arts in biology.

Tommy Sproles of Little Rock, Arkansas, graduated from Howard University with a Bachelor of Science in biology.

Tessa Williams of Piggott, Arkansas, graduated from Arkansas State University with a Bachelor of Science in biological sciences—pre-professional.

Rana Nesibe Yelen of Little Rock, Arkansas, graduated from the University of Central Arkansas with a Bachelor of Science in biology.

California

Arta Jafarnejad of Irvine, California.

Florida

Mackenzie Cassidy of Fort Myers, Florida, graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University with a Bachelor of Science in chemistry.

George Henein of Clearwater, Florida, graduated from the University of South Florida with a Bachelor of Science in biomedical sciences and a minor in nutrition.

Jerzie Jordan of Pensacola, Florida, graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science in human development and family science.

Mario Zaghlol of Palm Harbor, Florida, graduated from the University of South Florida with a Bachelor of Science in biomedical sciences.

Georgia

Clayton Shoffer of Jasper, Georgia, graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Science in exercise and sports science.

Illinois

Ellis Mudrik of Northbrook, Illinois, graduated from Lake Forest College with a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish.

Vidhi Patel of Morton, Illinois, graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a Bachelor of Science in molecular and cellular biology.

Louisiana

Laurel Armand of Metairie, Louisiana.

Trent Barton of Pineville, Louisiana.

Abigayle Brizzard of Gonzales, Louisiana, graduated from Louisiana State University with a Bachelor of Science in kinesiology and human movement sciences with a pre-dental concentration.

Todd Canatella of Metairie, Louisiana.

Traxtyn Finney of Alexandria, Louisiana, graduated from Louisiana Tech University with a Bachelor of Science in biology.

Peyton Gauthier of Cottonport, Louisiana.

Anna Harmon of Benton, Louisiana, graduated from Louisiana Tech University with a Bachelor of Science in biology and a minor in chemistry.

Emily Harrington of Woodworth, Louisiana.

Michael Lawson III of Livingston, Louisiana, graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University with a Bachelor of Science in integrative biology. He also earned a Master of Science in medical sciences from Mississippi College.

Carter Morris of Metairie, Louisiana, graduated from the College of Charleston with a Bachelor of Science in biology.

Cindy Nguyen of New Orleans, Louisiana, graduated from Tulane University with a Bachelor of Science in cell and molecular biology with a minor in psychology.

Anthony Noto of New Orleans, Louisiana.

Annie Shively of Monroe, Louisiana, graduated from Louisiana Tech University with a Bachelor of Science in biology with a minor in chemistry.

Olivia White of Metairie, Louisiana, graduated from Louisiana State University with a Bachelor of Science in biological sciences and a minor in leadership development.

Maryland

Ethan Martinez of Waldorf, Maryland, graduated from the University of Maryland with a bachelor’s degree in biology.

Michigan

Andre Saffar of Macomb, Michigan, graduated from Oakland University.

Mississippi

Mackenzie Bertrand of Natchez, Mississippi, graduated from Louisiana State University with a Bachelor of Science in biology.

Nasson Rodriguez of Madison, Mississippi, graduated from The University of Southern Mississippi with a Bachelor of Science in biology with a chemistry minor.

Mary Moore Widemire of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, graduated from Belhaven University with a Bachelor of Science in biology with a chemistry minor.

Missouri

Robert Owens of Grandview, Missouri, graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City with a Bachelor of Science in biology and a minor in business administration.

Kiley Sorbello of St. Louis, Missouri, graduated from the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor of Science in biology.

Ashton Thompson of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, graduated from the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor of Science in biology.

Liam Webb of O’Fallon, Missouri, graduated from the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor of Science in biology.

Madison Wheeler of Lohman, Missouri, graduated from Harding University with a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry.

New York

Hayley Hong of New York, New York, graduated from School of Visual Arts with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in graphic design.

Richard Song of Mineola, New York, graduated from Syracuse University with a Bachelor of Arts in biology.

Oklahoma

Connor Housley of Owasso, Oklahoma, graduated from Rogers State University with a bachelor’s degree in medical molecular biology.

Caylie Paulson of Paden, Oklahoma, graduated from Minot State University with a Bachelor of Arts in biology and a minor in American Sign Language.

South Dakota

Gavin Schmit of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, graduated from Augustana University with a Bachelor of Arts in biology.

Texas

Eyas A. Raheem of Austin, Texas, graduated from The University of Texas at San Antonio with a Bachelor of Science in public health.

Ayesha Azhar of Irving, Texas, graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas with a Bachelor of Science in biology.

Christopher Ballow of Flower Mound, Texas.

Brooks Beck of Texarkana, Texas, graduated from Oklahoma State University with a Bachelor of Science in biology and an undergraduate certificate in ethical leadership.

Raygen Everts of League City, Texas, graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelor of Business Administration – Management.

Arvin Heidari of Richardson, Texas, graduated from the University of North Texas with a Bachelor of Arts in biology and business and a Master of Biomedical Science.

Anna Horsley of McKinney, Texas.

Ainsley Jeffrey of Heath, Texas, graduated from the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor of Science in exercise science.

Krina Lakani of Murphy, Texas, graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas with a Bachelor of Science in health care studies. She also earned a Master of Science in microbiology and cell science.

Brenna Lykins of Dallas, Texas, graduated from the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor of Science in biology.

Minh Hoang Nguyen of Houston, Texas, graduated from Tulane University with a Bachelor of Science in public health.

Utah

Xander Hulse of Lehi, Utah.

Preston Payne of Logan, Utah.

Washington

Shahd Ahmed of Seattle, Washington, earned a Bachelor of Science in biology and a minor in chemistry from the University of Washington. She also earned a Master of Arts in medical science with an emphasis in molecular medicine.

Jason Pham of Seattle, Washington.

For more information about the Lyon College School of Dental Medicine, visit lyon.edu/dental.

The Lyon College School of Dental Medicine Patient Care Clinic is now accepting patients, offering comprehensive dental care provided by student dentists under the supervision of licensed faculty dentists.

The clinic combines affordable, high-quality dental services with hands-on clinical education, allowing students to gain valuable experience while serving the community in a modern, patient-centered environment.

Services include cleanings and exams, fillings, porcelain crowns and bridges, root canals, extractions, dentures and partials, implant therapy, clear aligner therapy, digital imaging and 3D technology.

“Our Patient Care Clinic represents the heart of our mission,” said Dr. Burke Soffe, founding dean of the Lyon College School of Dental Medicine. “If you don’t have a dental home, we invite you to make us your partner in achieving and maintaining a healthy smile. Our students work alongside experienced faculty dentists to provide compassionate, high-quality care in a state-of-the-art clinical setting.”

The clinic welcomes Medicaid patients and accepts walk-in and emergency patients on a first-come, first-served basis. It is typically open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Patient Care Clinic is located in Building 5 at 5 Allied Drive in Little Rock. Patients should park in the designated area marked “B5 Parking Only” and check in at the front desk on the first floor upon arrival.

To schedule an appointment or learn more about available services, contact the clinic at (501) 512-0230 or email dental.clinic@lyon.edu. Additional information is available at lyoninstitute.com/patient-services.

Jessica Sliger, MAT, DDS, FAAPD, FALSC, board-certified pediatric dentist and adjunct faculty member at the Lyon College School of Dental Medicine, has received multiple national honors recognizing her leadership, clinical excellence and contributions to pediatric dentistry.

Dr. Sliger was named one of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry’s “10 Under 10” award recipients, a national honor recognizing early-career pediatric dentists for outstanding leadership and significant contributions to patient care, education and the profession.

She also was named a Fellow of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and a Fellow of the American Laser Study Club. In addition, Incisal Edge Magazine named her one of America’s “Top 40 Under 40” dentists, an honor sponsored by Benco Dental. Beyond those honors, Dr. Sliger also was elected president-elect of the Northwest District Dental Society of the Arkansas State Dental Association.

Dr. Sliger said she is grateful for the recognition and for her role in dental education at Lyon College.

“I am deeply grateful to represent Lyon College School of Dental Medicine as adjunct faculty and appreciate all the school is doing to build a strong and innovative dental education program,” Dr. Sliger said.

Dr. Burke Soffe, founding dean of the dental school, said Dr. Sliger’s recognition reflects the caliber of clinicians and educators helping shape the college’s developing dental education program.

“Pediatric dentists play a vital role in our students’ education by emphasizing prevention, behavior management and compassionate, patient-centered care from the earliest stages of life,” Dr. Soffe said. “Dr. Sliger’s national recognition is well deserved, and her expertise and commitment to teaching enrich the educational experience for our students while helping us build an outstanding dental program grounded in clinical excellence and service.”

The Lyon College School of Dental Medicine continues to expand clinical education opportunities while increasing access to dental care through partnerships across Arkansas.

Information on patient services is available at https://lyoninstitute.com/patient-services/.

Lyon College School of Dental Medicine and Arkansas Children’s have established a new partnership to support patient care, clinical education and research. The affiliation, which was executed earlier this month, will coordinate the delivery and oversight of pediatric dental services at Arkansas Children’s.