2021 Events

1 // Dental Hygiene Virtual Information Session // November 7

In November, several Dental Hygiene program candidates attended a live Virtual Information Session. In addition to an overview of the dental hygiene program, topics included professional roles of the dental hygienist, service learning, infection control, student services, diversity and inclusion and financial aid. A panel of current students and graduates of both the dental and dental hygiene programs provided an overview of the profession during the Q&A portion of the information session. A virtual tour of the School was also included.

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2 // SGA LIVE Comedy Night // February 26

Detroit Mercy Dental students, faculty and staff enjoyed a night of non-stop laughter and fun! This was our first ever LIVE online comedy night, sponsored by the Student Government. The evening was kicked off by our very own Master of Ceremonies, Dr. Sanjay Chand, and featured comedian Landry, from Houla Entertainment.

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3 // 2021 Gies @ HOME Awards // March 12

Alumni, colleagues, faculty, staff and friends from across North America gathered for the virtual Gies @HOME Awards event. After the formal ceremony, a Virtual Happy Hour was held in honor of Dean Mert N. Aksu receiving the coveted 2021 Gies Award for Vision – Dental Educator. In addition, Great Expressions Dental Centers made a $5,000 donation to the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) Gies Foundation in honor of Aksu. Scan the QR code on Page 6 to view Aksu's award video.

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4 // Women's History Month Painting Vibe // March 18

In recognition of Women’s History Month, the Office of Diversity & Inclusion celebrated with a virtual painting event! Attendees gathered for a guided virtual celebration as they appreciated art and its representation of womanhood.

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5 // Detroit Mercy Dental Virtual Open House // April 24

The Office of Dental Admissions held a virtual Open House in April for the DDS program. Topics covered in the dental information sessions were an overview of the dental program, student services, financial aid and diversity and inclusion. There was also a virtual student panel discussion held the day prior which allowed prospective students to interact with and ask questions of current students. A pre-recorded virtual tour of the Dental School was also included. Scan the QR code on Page 6 to watch the tour.

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6 // Time for a Treat // May 13 & 17

In celebration of the end the academic year, graduation and collective achievements, the Office of the Dean surprised faculty, staff and students with ice cream, TWICE! It was all smiles as partakers chose their favorite treats.

7// Juneteenth Picnic // June 18

Friday, June 18, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, hosted a Juneteenth Celebration. The evening included a commemorative walk and a picnic with great music. Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the U.S. Since 1979, Juneteenth has been a Texas state holiday and as of June 17, 2021, is also a federal holiday!

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8 // Dental Hygiene White Coat Ceremony // July 16

The White Coat Ceremony for the Dental Hygiene Class of 2022 was held on Friday, July 16 to mark the students' transition into the clinical phase of their academic program. Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Pamela Zarkowski served as the keynote speaker for this momentous occasion, held at the Fitness Center on the McNichols Campus. The Class of 2022 enjoyed this special celebration with their loved ones and faculty.