Dean’s Letter

Caring for the entire person

Dr. Mert N. Aksu, Dean

"Whether that person is a patient or a student, we must recognize the importance of attending to the needs of the other."

Dear alumni and friends,

As you read this edition of the Leading Edge, I hope you feel the excitement of all that is going on around us here in Detroit – both on and off campus. The theme we have been reinforcing throughout the year has been centered on cura personalis, a Latin phrase that means to care for the entire person and a key characteristic of a Jesuit education. We take our role in doing this seriously as both stewards in the education of future oral health professionals and providers to our patients.

For students, we provide an environment for growth both personally and professionally and guide them forward as they become alumni. In Detroit, we are an essential resource for oral healthcare to the patients and communities we serve.

Recently, we experienced a power outage midday at the School of Dentistry. Students were in the middle of quizzes, lectures and procedures - patients were in the process of treatment. It was inconvenient and hectic, but this crisis brought out the best in people and showed how resilient and invested we are as individuals and a team.

As patients were prioritized, it was a teaching opportunity for faculty and staff. By implementing quick thinking educational strategies, students felt at ease among the uncertainty. It was a day that will surely be remembered as part of their educational experience and enable them to think on their feet once they have moved onto their careers.

Power was restored in the middle of the night and staff members arrived to work early the next day. They were ready to go the extra mile so we could deliver the smile. By the time patients arrived, it was business as usual.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

I like to think our reaction to the power outage is reflective of the spirit and character of Detroit. We are committed. We hustle. We get the job done. We care for the person and understand the battles that people face as the “human condition” unfolds. your careers. Your continued support of our School and mission matters, and I appreciate being able to serve as dean of your school.

Please enjoy this edition of Leading Edge.

Cura personalis. Whether that person is a patient or a student, we must recognize the importance of attending to the needs of the other.

I am endlessly proud of the success of our alumni and I know it is because you have carried this principle with you throughout I wish you all health, happiness, and prosperity in the year ahead,

Mert N. Aksu, D.D.S., J.D., M.H.S.A. Dean

American Dental Association (ADA) 9th District Delegation represent Michigan and Wisconsin in the ADA House of Delegates. Detroit Mercy Dental alumni who serve as current ADA 9th District Delegates include:

• Larissa Bishop, D.D.S. ’00 •Todd Christy, D.D.S. ’96 •Andrew DeHaan, D.D.S. ’10, M.S. ’12 •Rhonda Hennessy, D.D.S. ’86 •Gabriel B. Holdwick, D.D.S. ’14 •Jerry Kohen, D.D.S. ’75 •Michael Maihofer, D.D.S. ’78 •Martin Makowski, D.D.S. ’80 •Stephen Meraw, D.D.S. ’95, M.S. •William Patchak, D.D.S. ’76 •Alexa Vitek-Hitchcock, D.D.S. ’04

Michigan Dental Association (MDA) Board of Trustees has authority over all matters of the association subject to the restrictions imposed by the bylaws to include financial and policy setting. Detroit Mercy Dental alumni who serve as current MDA Board of Trustee members include:

• Todd Christy, D.D.S. ’96 • Rhonda Hennessy, D.D.S. ’86 • Michael Maihofer, D.D.S. ’78 • Stephen Meraw, D.D.S. ’95, M.S. • William Patchak, D.D.S. ’76

A publication for alumni and friends of University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry LEA ING EDGE

CONTENTS

FEATURE ARTICLE

PUBLISHED BY THE SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY 2700 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard Detroit, MI 48208

Antoine M. Garibaldi, Ph.D. University President

Mert N. Aksu, D.D.S., J.D., M.H.S.A. Dean aksumn@udmercy.edu

Kari Radjewski, M.A. Editor-in-Chief

Rhonda Evans, B.F.A. Communications Coordinator & Graphic Designer Art Director and Publication Designer evansrh@udmercy.edu

Kimberly Raleigh, R.D.H., M.H.S.A. Director of Continuing Education and Alumni Relations kimberly.raleigh@udmercy.edu

Thomas W. Sklut, M.A. Director of Development skluttw@udmercy.edu

Evan Godell Media Specialist Photographer godellea@udmercy.edu

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Please email any communications that highlight our alumni to Kimberly Raleigh: kimberly.raleigh@udmercy.edu 313-494-6694

The place to be DETROIT in Dentistry

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Upcoming Alumni Events..........................................................................................3 Dean’s Letter .............................................................................................................4 University News.........................................................................................................7 Alumni Reflection ......................................................................................................8 Student News..........................................................................................................10 Student Essay..........................................................................................................14 Diversity & Inclusion ................................................................................................15 Outreach .................................................................................................................16 Research ..................................................................................................................17 FEATURE ARTICLE: Dentistry in Detroit - The Place to Be..................................................................20 Recent Events..........................................................................................................26 School News............................................................................................................28 Alumni Board...........................................................................................................31 Continuing Education .............................................................................................32

FIND MORE ONLINE!

See this Fall/Winter 2019 issue and more on our website at dental.udmercy.edu/alumni/leading-edge