Kelsey Sasse, DDS, knows about the importance of wellness.
Dr. Sasse, who joined the UNMC College of Dentistry in May 2025 as a clinical instructor, now also serves as the director of student success and wellness for the college. It’s a role she believes is especially necessary, with important lessons to impart at a critical point in a young dental professional’s career.
“A lot of our students are still at the point in their lives where they feel they can sleep three hours, get up, drink an energy drink and go run 10 miles,” she said with a laugh. “We were all there. But now is the time to start learning stress management, to make a scaffolding of what self-care looks like. Eat real food. Move your body. Get good sleep.”
Dentists in the United States have a higher suicide rate than the general population, according to a Journal of the American Dental Association article published just last month. At the same time, Dr. Sasse said, this generation of dental students, like their peers, are more aware of mental wellness and more prepared to demand proper work-life balance.
“This is to their benefit,” she said.
Dr. Sasse herself was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease at age 34. In learning to cope with it, she also recognized the importance of self-care – proper diet, exercise, stress management. The results have left her with a passion to share the importance of wellness with UNMC College of Dentistry students.
“When I used to experience stress, I’d just shove it down. Work harder. White-knuckle it and go,” she said. “Now, I realize how much stress plays into not only your mental but your physical health. I’m much more mindful of it.”
Through interviews and informal interactions with the college’s students, she learned they want encouragement, events such as motivational speakers and similar efforts. Her own research into what author Jonathan Hardt has called “The Anxious Generation” has shown the importance of stress and anxiety management.
“In this role, I’m trying to marry what the students want to what they need,” she said. “To help them make a sustainable career for the next 30 years.”
Although Dr. Sasse only joined UNMC in August 2025, the wellness effort has seen several successes as 2026 begins. December saw the opening of a new Wellness Lounge and Mindfulness Room, two amenities that are seeing increasing use by students and even some faculty.
“The Mindfulness Room, which is reservable and very quiet, can be used for reflection, meditation, even telehealth visits,” Dr. Sasse said. “The lounge is split into two sides: one side features a couch, chairs and a puzzle table, while the other side is almost a mini gym, with light weights and yoga mats.
“The spaces have been well received.”
Other initiatives have included:
A women’s career panel;
A mental health first aid course for faculty and staff;
A book club; and
Yoga sessions.
In 2026, the college will explore starting a running club, hosting a faculty vs. student pickleball tournament, holding a fall “Welcome Back” barbecue and looking at other speaking events.
Dr. Sasse, whose experience had been in private practice before joining UNMC, said the college’s culture and camaraderie have been invigorating.
“There’s a passion for learning,” she said. “The students are excited, and it’s wonderful to provide tips and tricks that make their lives easier, things they can use their entire career. I’m happy to be a part of the college.”
