Khiara Drew-Gilmore, D.D.S. ’16 passion lies in elevating the health and self-esteem of her patients. As a gentle, compassionate, and professional individual, she takes the time to provide her patients with optimum care. A native of Kansas City, Kansas, Dr. Drew-Gilmore graduated from the esteemed Sumner Academy of Arts and Science, after which she knew her passion for education and for her community would lead her to attend two historic institutions.

She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in 2012 from Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, Georgia and continued her pursuit of higher education at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee, where she became Doctor of Dental Surgery in 2016. Following dental school, Dr. Drew-Gilmore completed a General Practice Residency at Bronx Lebanon Hospital in Bronx, New York.

Longing to be near her family again, and to serve her hometown, she returned to the Kansas City area to open and manage multiple corporate dental offices under the auspices Aspen Dental. There, Dr. Drew-Gilmore specialized in full mouth reconstructive surgery and cosmetic surgery.

While providing healthy smiles was accomplished, she decided to transition to her first passion: serving others. This sentiment has been weaved throughout her life, and is evidence of her dedication and commitment to Meharry’s motto: “Worship of God Through Service to Mankind”. Her desire to be back in the community was fulfilled when she joined Swope Health in 2020.

Currently, she serves as the first Program Director of the Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency program, where she mentors and oversees dentists aspiring to pursue education beyond the level of dental school. Dr. Drew-Gilmore is a proud and active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. She is married to her incredible husband, Paul Gilmore, an educator at her alma mater, Sumner Academy with whom she shares an adorable two-year-old, Drew Gilmore.

Source of Motivation Statement

“God is my greatest source of motivation and strength. The support of my family falls just after that. My husband, Paul Gilmore, and his unwavering support and belief in me has pushed me to pursue my dreams fearlessly. My daughter, Drew Gilmore and her innocent love and admiration remind me every day why I strive to be the best version of myself. My mom, Carmalita Drew, who was a single parent, taught me resilience and determination that inspire me to keep pushing forward, despite the challenges that I face. My brother, Darius Drew, and his loyalty and encouragement remind me that I am never alone in this journey. And my late father, Kenneth Drew, who instilled the value of education in me. With each of them by my side, I know that I can overcome any obstacle and achieve my goals.”