‘I Could Truly Picture Myself in Dentistry:’ Building Bright Futures, One Smile at a Time at UNMC’s College of Dentistry

By Noah Johnson

Julia Reimer, DDS, knew she wanted to change lives through healthcare.

It had been a career path she had envisioned for years. While attending Hastings College to study biochemistry, she came to a realization while shadowing at a local pediatric dental office.

“I could truly picture myself in dentistry,” Reimer said. “It combined everything I was looking for — the opportunity to build relationships with patients, work with my hands and make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.”

Reimer graduated from Hastings College in 2022 and began studying at the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s College of Dentistry that same year. In May 2026, Reimer earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree.

Looking back on her experience at the College of Dentistry, Reimer said she was provided with a strong foundation for academic and clinical success. That foundation was built through opportunities supported by the College of Dentistry Innovation Fund.

The fund supports programs and events for students and alumni, including:

• the annual White Coat Ceremony;
• student travel to national conferences; and
• the post-commencement luncheon.

In addition, gifts to this fund are directed toward emerging, critical college priorities, allowing supporters to take part in important initiatives that transform the lives of students and guide them to become tomorrow’s leaders in dentistry.

As Reimer celebrated her graduation in May, she felt a tremendous sense of accomplishment for all she had achieved. It also marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter in her life.

Reimer began her orthodontic residency at Marquette University School of Dentistry in June. Thanks to the education she received at UNMC, Reimer said she feels prepared to take on the next stage of her career.

“Helping someone achieve a smile they’re proud of — and hopefully giving them greater confidence along the way — is what excites me most about my future career,” she said. “My goal is to build on the foundation UNMC gave me by providing compassionate, high-quality care and making a meaningful difference in the lives of my patients every day.”