2021 Events

1 // School-Wide Leadership Training Program presented by Bell Leadership Institute // August 23-25

Various facilitators from the Bell Leadership Institute presented “Optimizing Teams Through Commitment, Trust and Communication” in a school-wide leadership training. This 3-day custom-designed seminar integrated concepts and strategies from Bell Leadership’s 50 years of research and consulting. The seminar focused on assisting all members of the Detroit Mercy Dental school community to build their own personal effectiveness in leading, learning, and teaching. Through facilitated groups and breakout discussions, participants further developed skills to work effectively in their current and future teams through building trust and the skills needed to openly communicate.

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2 // Boat Cruise // September 24

School of Dentistry students were excited to resume the annual ASDA & SGA Boat Cruise on the Detroit Princess. All classes enjoyed a night out with music and dancing at the sold-out event, kicking off a new academic year.

3 // Titans for Teeth Virtual 5K // October

Detroit Mercy Dental’s first-ever virtual 5k was held in October. Participants from across the U.S. walked, ran and strolled for a cause. Sponsored by Dinka Dental, Michigan Dental Association (MDA) and MDA Insurance, the Titans for Teeth Virtual 5K encouraged participants to be active at their own pace and place. A donation benefiting the Titans for Teeth Mobile Clinic was made on behalf of all participants, allowing uninsured children to receive dental care at little to no cost. Participants also joined in challenges to win prizes.

4 // Dental Hygiene Class Breast Cancer Awareness Month // October

In support of Breast Cancer Awareness month, the Dental Hygiene Class of 2022 held a fundraiser, selling pink ribbon enamel pins. Students and faculty wore their pins throughout the month in support of the cause. Proceeds of the sale, which was organized by class vice president, Ellese Smith, will support breast cancer research.

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5 // Office of Diversity and Inclusion celebrates "Dia de los Muertos - the Day of the Dead" // November 1

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) celebrated “Dia de los Muertos – the Day of the Dead”, during the month of November. Dia de los Muertos, a typically Latin American custom that combines indigenous Aztec rituals and Catholicism, honors the dead with festivals and lively celebrations. The ODI invited faculty, staff and students to decorate an altar by bringing photographs of family members who have passed.

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6 // Dental Imprint Program // November

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) hosted it's annual Dental Imprint Program, where various Detroit Public, University of Detroit Jesuit, and local charter school students spend a day at Detroit Mercy Dental learning about the dental profession. Student visit days are accompanied by volunteer faculty members who teach students how to take dental impressions and other hands-on dental experiences. This school year, ODI has hosted six different schools and over 100 students. The Dental Imprint Program will continue for the remainder of the academic year.

7// Black Catholic History Month Inaugural Lecture featuring President Antoine M. Garibaldi, Ph.D. // November 16

University of Detroit Mercy President Antoine M. Garibaldi delivered a presentation titled “Detroit’s Special Place in black Catholic History.” Garibaldi, the first lay and first Black president of Detroit Mercy, notes that there are nearly 3 million Black Catholics in the United States, he has researched the important contributions made by Black Catholics in Detroit in the 1960s and 1970s. Hosted by the Office of Mission Integration, Garibaldi’s presentation was the inaugural lecture of the Black Catholic History Month lecture series. See Garibaldi’s full presentation at, youtu.be/jkMUqdS5aKI

8 // School of Dentistry Decorates New Christmas Tree Together // November 23

In celebration of the holiday season, the Detroit Mercy Dental family collectively decorated its new 12foot Christmas tree! Dressed in Detroit Mercy Dental custom ornaments, red and blue shiny bulbs and glittering lights, the tree was a beautiful addition to the new entrance and was enjoyed by patients, faculty, staff and students. In addition, participants were asked to write their “wish for 2022” on a paper snowflake which was hung on the tree as well. This small gesture spread some cheer and happiness to all involved.