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Dean Mert N. Aksu receives 2021 William J. Gies Award from American Dental Education Association
Mert N. Aksu, dean and professor at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry, has been named a recipient of the 2021 American Dental Education Association’s (ADEA) Gies Award for Vision – Dental Educator. The William J. Gies Awards are the most coveted honors in oral health and dental education and recognize the efforts of individuals, institutions and organizations that exemplify the highest standards of vision, innovation and achievement in oral health and dental education.
Aksu was nominated for his ability to institute changes now to address issues in the future. His unique and unconventional approach to dental education and oral health care have positively impacted the faculty, students and patients he serves.
In his pledge to ensure the safety and well-being of faculty, staff, students and patients, he co-invented a Class I, FDA approved patent-pending chairside aerosol mitigation system (AeMS, LLC) which is in place on all units in the dental clinic. This device contributes to safe dental patient care with approximately 1,200 devices being used nationwide.
“Throughout his career, Dean Aksu has addressed challenges in a creative and forward-looking manner, said Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Pamela Zarkowski, who also received a Gies award in 2017. “This award demonstrates that his peers recognize his passion for and dedication to Detroit Mercy Dental’s students, employees, colleagues and the patients they serve. I am grateful for his leadership and contributions to the School and University.”
Aksu will receive his award along with seven other Gies awardees on March 12, 2021, in conjunction with the virtual 2021 ADEA Annual Session & Exhibition.
Congratulations to Angela Orlando, Financial Aid Coordinator on being appointed to a three-year term as a member of the ADEA Student Financial Aid Advisory Committee, beginning at the 2020 ADEA Annual Session & Exhibition. Orlando will contribute on behalf of dental school financial aid administrators, address common financial issues and discuss educational debt within the field of dentistry.
Delta Dental grant
The University of Detroit Mercy proudly received a grant of $135,000 from Delta Dental of Michigan, part of a multi-year project to improve the oral health of children in the tri-county area. The intent of the grant is to support the framework for a longitudinal study on childhood caries, while expanding the reach and services of Detroit Mercy Dental Mobile Clinics and partnerships with Federally Qualified Health Centers. The funds will help establish a school-based preventive oral health services program in partnership with MyCare in Macomb County, and a dental clinic in collaboration with Wayne County Health Communities in Hamtramck.
Professor Persiani receives Detroit Mercy's 2021 Alumni Achievement Spirit Award
Congratulations to Richard Persiani, D.D.S. ’73, M.S., affiliate professor, Detroit Mercy Dental, on being chosen as one of seven honorees for the 2021 Detroit Mercy Annual Alumni Achievement Award. The Spirit Awards honor alumni for outstanding achievements, leadership in their work, and devotion to service the community. Honorees reflect the University’s mission of excellence and service and bring pride to their alma mater.
Persiani is an innovative leader who utilizes his education and talents to make an impact in the field of dentistry, community and the lives of his patients around the world. Persiani has inspired, mentored and taught students spanning nearly five decades. His teaching reaches far beyond clinical skills, as he embodies what it means to be a person for others. Persiani maintained a private practice for 42 years, has held numerous leadership roles in organized dentistry and authored articles in peer-reviewed journals. Persiani’s philanthropic service includes more than 30 mission trips with Operation Smile, founding the dental clinic at Vista Maria Community Services, and co-directing the Children’s ToothFairy Foundation. Rafael Pacheco D.D.S., M.Sc., Ph.D., associate professor, joins Joel Felsenfeld, D.D.S., as division directors of Clinical Essentials and Simulation. Pacheco holds a D.D.S., M.Sc. (Dental Materials) and Ph.D. (Dental Materials) from State University of Campinas, Brazil. He is the author/co-author of multiple peer-reviewed journal articles, four book chapters, and his research is focused on dental materials used in restorative dentistry (polymerization, dental ceramics, resin composites and adhesive systems). Pacheco assumes this position after joining the School of Dentistry in 2015.
ADEA /FEMA donates KN95 masks to the School
In response to COVID-19, ADEA—in collaboration with FEMA and Henry Schein. Inc.—is distributing close to 3 million KN95 masks to U.S. dental schools and allied dental education programs to be used for patient care. Detroit Mercy Dental has received our shipment of over 44,000 KN95 masks. Thank you to ADEA and FEMA for their generous contribution as we continue to strive to keep our students and patients safe, happy and healthy.
Professor Pacheco named a division director of Clinical Essentials and Simulation
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Michigan Board of Dentistry
The following alumni were recently appointed or re-appointed to the state Board of Dentistry by Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer:
• Mamnoon Siddiqui, D.D.S., M.S. '02 • Vaijanthi Oza, D.D.S. '98 (reappointed) • Edward G. Sarkisian, D.D.S.'78
Erick Rupprecht, D.D.S. '80 received the 2020 Distinguished Service Award from West Michigan District Dental Society. He was selected as the “Silent Bell” awardee for his many contributions to organized dentistry, community involvement and mentorship.
Brian Anderson, D.D.S. ‘09 received the 2020 Michigan Dental Association’s Public Relations Award which recognizes the public relations efforts of an MDA member dentist or MDA component society. Anderson was awarded this honor for his leadership role in organizing Superior Dental Day.
Congratulations to Melvin Lunkins, promoted to director of Diversity and Inclusion and Bethsave Lozano, promoted to coordinator of Diversity and Inclusion (D&I).
Lunkins has been with Detroit Mercy Dental since 2017. During his time as coordinator for D&I, the school has seen continued growth in pipeline programs, such as Dental Imprint, Summer Enrichment Program and Wayne State University C2 Pipeline programs. Lunkins has a B.S. in Community Development from Central Michigan University and an M.A. in Social Justice from Marygrove College.
Lozano has been with Detroit Mercy Dental since 2008. She joined as an administrative assistant in the Office of Dental Admissions where she became an integral member of the admissions team, contributing her efforts and talents in growing the admissions programs, administering interviews and selection processes, and moving the office forward with new initiatives. Lozano has a B.S. in International Business & Economics, and an M.A. degree in Higher Education Administration, both from Madonna University.
Enhanced Entryway Opening
On Monday, Aug. 24, the doors to our new enhanced entryway were opened for our patients to enjoy. Patients were greeted by a new three-story glass structure, terrazzo flooring, and four stained glass panels from the Mercy College chapel.
Due to COVID-19 and social distance guidelines, seating is available for no more than 50 patients at one time. Only patients receiving treatment will be able to enter the building (unless they need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian). A receptionist will scan each patient at the door for their temperature and ask if they have any COVID-19-related symptoms.
The Office of the Dean would like to thank the dental community for its patience during this renovation.
Anthony Neely receives Excellence Award from American Academy of Periodontology (AAP)
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
D.D.S. Class of 2013
Alumni from the Dental Class of 2013 took part in the #DontRushJustBrush social media challenge with a stylish and equally entertaining video. View their take of the challenge at https://bit.ly/3lh6jy6 Congratulations to Detroit Mercy Dental associate professor Anthony Neely, D.D.S., M.Dent.Sc, Ph.D., who was chosen as the AAP 2020 Excellence in Teaching and Mentoring Award recipient. This award is presented to the periodontal educator at each institution who has demonstrated a commitment to excellence in providing education in the full scope of periodontics and relays that enthusiasm to students. Neely was presented this award at the AAP 106th Annual Meeting (virtual), Nov. 6-15.
Community PPE Donations
Detroit Mercy Dental has been fortunate to have a sufficient supply of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). We would like to acknowledge and thank those who contributed or coordinated PPE donations in response to the national shortage. We are humbled to have so many supporters who jumped into action to ensure our clinics remained safe and our faculty, staff and students protected.
Thank you to the following generous contributors:
• Kavitha Tatikonda, of Farmington Hills, Mich, donated 100 face shields created on her personal 3-D printer.
• Promess Incorporated, via clinic lead, Michael Pyatenko, D.D.S. '91, donated of 300 face shields.
•Associate Professor Zheng Zhou, D.D.S., Ph.D. and his overseas colleagues donated 600 face shields and 1,200 KN95 masks. In addition, Zhou's friend and colleague, Bihuan Cheng, coordinated volunteer help and covered shipping costs.
• Associate Professor Mary Parise, D.D.S., and daughter Ann Marie coordinated the production, delivery and donations of 300 face shields made by Joe Amica Terra of Corning, New York.
• Micah Nuzum, D.D.S., M.S., owner of Shieldont, donated seven operative microscopic face shields in the endodontic clinic. These clear plastic devices replace goggles while blocking surgical spatter to the face and eyes. • Alumni Board member, Basam Shamo, D.D.S. '13, helped coordinate the donation of 1,500 face shields from Detroit District Dental Society.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Detroit Mercy Dental alumni, Stephen
Meraw, D.D.S. ’95, M.S., G. Michael Kabot, D.D.S. '85, M.S. '88, William S. Demray, D.D.S. '75 and Dawn Kulongowski, D.D.S.
'02, were recently featured in a Detroit Free Press article titled “Are dental offices safe right now? 6 questions to ask before your next appointment”. The article discussed how dental offices are taking various safety measures to keep patients and staff safe during the pandemic and beyond.
Congratulations to former Director of Instructional Development, L. Michael Verdusco, Ph.D., who transitioned to a new department and position as Director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching & Learning at Detroit Mercy. This new position will focus on faculty development and support University-wide, including the School of Dentistry.
The new position is the result of Detroit Mercy receiving a $1.6-million, five-year Title III Part A Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP) grant from the United States Department of Education, Office of Postsecondary Education. This grant will fund the creation of the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL).
Congratulations to Thomas Zielonka, M.A., who has been promoted to director of Instructional Development at the School of Dentistry effective Nov. 9. Zielonka joined the School of Dentistry in 2015 as an instructional designer and has been an integral part of the transition to remote learning, teaching and testing.
CARES Act Funds
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was passed by Congress with overwhelming, bipartisan support and signed into law on March 27, 2020. This over $2 trillion economic relief package protects the American people from the public health and economic impacts of COVID-19.
Because of the CARES Act Grant, Detroit Mercy Dental was able to help 532 Dental students in their time of need.
See https://bit.ly/34oLyJU for figures.
As of September 2020, the school has raised over $67,070 in COVID-Relief funds.
Dean Juliette Daniels conducts research on the impostor phenomenon in dental students
Juliette Daniels, Ed.D., assistant dean for student services and enrollment, received a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration degree from Gwynedd Mercy University in Philadelphia. Her dissertation was titled, “Impostor Phenomenon in Dental Students.” This is the first known focused study of the extent to which the impostor phenomenon impacts dental students in the United States.
Faculty members invited to present at College of Prosthodontists Annual Meeting
Director and associate professor Tenzin Dadul, M.D.S., D.D.S., M.S. and associate professor Ahmad Fard, D.D.S., M.S. were invited to present “Reaching Students with Great Presentations” at the American College of Prosthodontists (ACP) Annual Meeting in November. Dadul and Fard were selected among the pre-doctoral and post-doctoral prosthodontic programs in North America. They were especially invited to evaluate the current research in implantology, 3-D imaging and guided surgery.
Professor Deepthy Nair named the 2020 ADEA Scholar-in-Residence
Deepthy Nair, B.D.S., M.S., clinical associate professor, was named the 2020 American Dental Education Association’s Enid A. Neidle Scholar-in-Residence recipient. The scholar in-residence recipient receives a stipend to pursue a fellowship at the ADEA office in Washington, D.C., to gain a distinct perspective on issues facing women faculty, including promotion, advancement and tenure policies, entry and reentry into the workforce, child care and elder care, women’s health, work patterns, advanced education research opportunities, and other gender-related issues.
On behalf of the ADA Foundation, the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry was awarded the E. “Bud” Tarrson Dental School Student Community Leadership Award and grant. The funding will support the work of the Detroit Mercy Outreach and Community Service (DOCS)/Malta Free Dental Clinic and allows for expansion of services provided to uninsured adults for a year. DOCS, which operates out of the Malta Clinic, is a student-managed organization and provides dental care to underprivileged members of the Detroit community.
Detroit Mercy Dental student Matthew Stratton, DS4, the primary student volunteer on the grant, stated: “Patients are always thankful for our services, and the students are ecstatic to be providing dental care this early in their careers and thus give patients their undivided attention. The complete attention of a health care provider is seldom seen in our community and is why our patients are thankful. Both the entire DOCS organization and I are honored to have won this grant. We encounter patients at the Malta Clinic who are very poor and in dire need of dental care. This grant money will go a long way toward improving the experience for these patients.” He continued, “The Malta Clinic is held in the basement of a St. Leo’s Catholic Church in Detroit, where a soup kitchen is run Tuesday through Saturday. The people of the community are able to enjoy meals while also learning the importance of oral health. The students are ecstatic to be providing dental care this early in their careers and thus give patients their undivided attention. The complete attention of a health care provider is seldom seen in our community and is why our patients are thankful.”
Professor Judith Jones receives VA commendation
Judith Jones, D.D.S., M.P.H., Dsc.D., professor, received a commendation for years of excellent service to the Department of Veterans Affairs. She is the original director of Oral Health Quality Group, a group that was started in 2008 by the VA’s Central Office of Dentistry. There, Jones provided guidance and expertise in the development of assessment tools and clinical recommendations that continue to influence the quality of care provided to Veterans across the nation.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Carol Aiken, D.D.S. ’82 has been selected as a 2020 Centurion Fellow in The American College of Dentists, a distinction achieved by fewer than 5% of dentists. This fellowship nomination recognizes outstanding contributions to the field of dentistry, especially in ethics, professionalism, excellence and leadership.
Aiken has practiced general dentistry at her office in Boston, Mass., for over 30 years. She served on the Ethics Committee of the Massachusetts Dental Society for many years and chaired it for the past 4 years. Aiken has volunteered her services as a dentist on several humanitarian missions with Remote Area Medical and International Medical Relief, from Oklahoma to Tennessee to Kenya. Additionally, Aiken has served as adjunct faculty at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and the University of Michigan School of Dentistry.
Timothy Kosinski, D.D.S. ’84 receive the Academy of General Dentistry's Lifelong Learning and Service Recognition.
The Lifelong Learning and Service Recognition epitomizes a career of excellence in dentistry. It acknowledges the continued achievements of AGD Masters to embrace their obligation to stay current and to give back to their communities and profession. By embracing the core beliefs of AGD throughout their careers, LLSR recipients set a higher standard that all general dentists are encouraged to emulate. To date, fewer than 375 members have received this recognition.
Kosinski was also elected as editor by the Academy of General Dentistry. Since 2015, he has served as associate editor and has a strong appreciation for AGD’s news and peerreviewed publications.
