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Detroit Mercy Dental Dean Mert N. Aksu received the Pierre Fauchard Academy (PFA) Distinguished Service Award. The award is the highest honor given by the PFA Michigan Section and is awarded to fellows whose actions and deeds reflect the highest examples of honorary dental service for the academy, the community, education, mentorship and/or philanthropy. Aksu was the academy’s 2019 award recipient, however, due to the pandemic, he officially received the award on Oct. 3, 2021. “After examining Dr. Aksu’s extensive CV, I think there’s no doubt that this year’s recipient qualifies in many of those categories. He has always remained steadfast in supporting the School’s mission of educating students who are both clinically proficient and humanistically focused on the service of their fellow man. It was a privilege to present the PFA’s Distinguished Service Award to Dr. Mert Aksu.” said Michael Maihofer, D.D.S. ’78, editor, PFA Michigan Section and president of the Michigan Dental Association. Affiliate Professor Robert Tremblay was recently named executive director of the Oakland County Dental Society (OCDS). The OCDS is a great resource for dental professionals seeking networking, mentorship and education opportunities. Founded in 1931, the OCDS has nearly 900 member dentists who work to serve their community, advance dental care and promote oral health.
David Kacir appointed Division Director of Clinical Essentials and Simulation
Congratulations to Clinical Associate Professor David Kacir, who has been appointed to division co-director of Clinical Essentials and Simulation. Kacir joined the School of Dentistry in 2011 as an adjunct faculty. He earned his D.D.S. from University of Detroit Mercy and an M.S. from the University of Toledo. Most recently, Kacir served as Clinic Lead in the Division of Clinical Dentistry.
Congratulations to Associate Professor Divesh Byrappagari who has been inducted as a fellow into the International College of Dentists (ICD). ICD is the preeminent global dental honor society recognizing outstanding professional achievement and meritorious service while advocating for humanitarian and educational initiatives.
Kathi Shepherd, R.D.H, M.S.
Michelle Wheater, Ph.D. Kathi Shepherd appointed Interim Assistant Dean for Academic Administration
Professor Kathi Shepherd has been appointed interim assistant dean for Academic Administration. Shepherd will also continue in her current position as assistant dean of Educational Development and Assessment.
Professor Michelle Wheater has chosen to step down from interim assistant dean for Academic Administration and return to her faculty position in the Division of Integrated Biomedical Sciences. She will continue to serve as the director of Research and Scholarly Achievement as well as the Biomedical Sciences curriculum consultant for the Optometry program. The School of Dentistry would like to thank Professor Wheater for her service in this position for the past two years.
The School of Dentistry is conducting a search for an assistant/associate dean for Academic Administration. Qualified applicants should send a letter of interest, curriculum vitae and the names, addresses and telephone numbers of three references to: walikacm@udmercy.edu or Office of the Dean, University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry, 2700 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Detroit, MI. 48208
Congratulations to Associate Professor Anthony Neely, who has been appointed to Program Director of Graduate Periodontics for Detroit Mercy Dental. Neely has been a full-time faculty member since joining the School of Dentistry in 1998. He earned his D.D.S. from the University of Minnesota, Certificate of Periodontology and Master of Dental Science in Periodontopathobiology from the University of Connecticut, and a Ph.D. in Chronic Disease Epidemiology from Yale University’s School of Epidemiology and Public Health.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Mark Goldenberg, D.D.S. ‘79 | Goldenberg has worked as a pediatric dentist in a Beverly Hills, Calif. private practice since 1982 and has taught at both New York University School of Dentistry and University of Southern California School of Dentistry. He currently serves on the medical staff of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. Goldenberg was appointed to the California Dental Board by the governors where he served as both a board member and secretary. He is proud to be an alumnus because of the rigorous education and lifelong friends.
Richard Kulbersh, D.M.D., M.S. ‘75 | Richard Kulbersh is not only a proud alumnus of Detroit Mercy Dental but a valued long-time employee as well (now retired). Kulbersh shares, “I have spent 44 wonderful years at the School of Dentistry and 33 of them as chairman of the Orthodontics Department. Throughout that time, I was blessed to associate with many unique and talented people. The relationships made with them enabled me to function as an effective chair and thus bring national and international recognition to the department and the School.”
Kulbersh is the recipient of the 2021 School of Dentistry Faculty Excellence Award 2018 American Board of Orthodontics, O. B. Vaughn Special Recognition Award, and 2010 American Board of Orthodontics, Dale B. Wade Award of Excellence in Orthodontics. He was also awarded the title of Professor Emeritus by University of Detroit Mercy in 2020.
He adds, “I am proud to be an alumnus of Detroit Mercy because my life was enriched and given purpose.”
Richard Raad, D.D.S. ‘84
Raad believes that the relationships formed because of Detroit Mercy Dental have not only helped him grow as a professional but have endured a lifetime. He is most proud to be an alumnus because of the stellar faculty role models and fellow graduates.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Tamika Thompson, D.D.S. ‘02, M.S. ‘11 |
Thompson reflects on the impact relationships from Detroit Mercy have made on her, saying, “the diverse relationships created at Detroit Mercy have provided me with various opportunities for growth via participation on panels, public speaking, research engagement, establishing lifelong mentors and colleagues, and further leadership development. This was possible because I, in turn, have been able to pay it forward via my students, the community, and dentistry as a whole.”
She recalls her fondest memory was mentoring a struggling student through dental school to graduation. As a show of gratitude, the student’s parents gifted her with an engraved sculpture in recognition of the care, mentorship and support she provided. Thompson says, “It was my fondest memory because you never know how much you are truly impacting someone. Every time I look at the sculpture, I am reminded of my purpose; to stand in the gap, support, and uplift others.”
Michael Rediske, D.D.S. ‘13 | Owner and Dentist of Great Lakes Family Dentistry of Hudsonville, Mich. Rediske served in the United States Air Force for seven years, in that time he completed a general dentistry residency, was Chief of Dental Services and Dental Operations Flight Commander, and was honored to serve the Armed Forces Medical Examination System by providing dental identification to fallen soldiers. He has achieved the rank of Major and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal.
Ivan Samano, D.D.S. ‘02 | Samano, who has had young patients shadow him over the past 20 years that have become dentists themselves states that he “appreciates the high quality of education and clinical experience that came with graduating from Detroit Mercy Dental.”
Michigan Dental Association presents check to Office of Diversity and Inclusion
The Michigan Dental Association (MDA) Board of Trustees presented the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) with a $6,000 check for the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Grant. The MDA DEI Grant will aid Michigan residents to participate in the ODI’s Summer Enrichment Program (SEP). Contributions will be continuously made to the fund, and an annual assessment of fundraising progress will be done to determine how much to give each year. SEP provides educational and professional development experiences for underrepresented minorities and/or disadvantaged students to help them successfully gain admission into dental school and pursue a career in dentistry. Students participating in SEP are provided free housing and DAT preparation as well as a travel and food stipend. To read more about the ODI’s Summer Enrichment Program scan the QR code on page 6.
School of Dentistry receives Delta Dental Foundation grant for new Senior Oral Health Project
Professor Judith Jones and Director of Outreach Divesh Byrappagari were awarded grant funding from the Delta Dental Foundation for the new Detroit Mercy Senior Oral Health Equality Project for which they are co-directors. This project aims to provide more seniors with access to care, primarily those underserved in Detroit’s senior centers and assisted living facilities. As an effort for equity in the senior community, this project will also increase the importance of oral health and the visibility of this sometimes-overlooked demographic.
Adrianna Moreno, M.A. Danielle M. Harris, M.A.
Promotions within the Office of Academic Administration and Student Services & Enrollment Management
Adrianna Moreno, M.A., has been promoted to associate registrar for the School of Dentistry after having worked in student services for the past five years. Moreno originally joined the University as the student services coordinator and later advanced to associate director for Student Services. Moreno enhanced student programs, educational support services and academic enrichment activities for the School.
Danielle Harris, M.A., has been promoted to assistant director for Student Services. After working in the Office of Admissions for 13 years, Harris brings her talents, expertise and student affairs experience to serving students by providing oversight and leadership for the day-to-day functions of the student services programs, resources, and co-curricular experiences.
Congratulations to Affiliate Clinical Instructor Elizabeth Pitts who has been inducted as the new president of Michigan Dental Hygienists’ Association (MDHA). Pitts is a 2007 graduate from Howard University where she received a Bachelor of Science in Biology. She later graduated from the University of Michigan earning a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Dental Hygiene in 2012 and 2017, respectively. Pitts began her career as a clinical research dental hygienist working at the Michigan Center for Oral Health Research (MCOHR). MCOHR was established as a clinical research facility centered on patient care with a mission to improve oral, dental, and craniofacial health. She also worked as a public health dental hygienist, practicing under Public Act 161 to perform dental hygiene preventive and therapeutic services in access to care shortage area.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Nashwa Elrashidy, D.D.S. ‘10 | Nashwa Elrashidy is a proud Detroit Mercy Dental alumna with her own dental practice in Northern California. “What’s really neat is that you will always find a connection back to Detroit”, she says, “I had a patient find me (for dental services) because she was a fellow Detroit Mercy alum.” Elrashidy shares that her experiences at the school were so valuable to her career, adding, “I loved rotating at University Health Center (UHC), and I really appreciate the relationships made with staff and classmates”.
Upon graduating, Elrashidy went on to complete a 1-year dental residency in Chicago and accounts that her experience at Detroit Mercy Dental helped her excel in the program.
Walter Rupprecht, D.D.S. ‘80 | Walter Rupprecht is an officer of the Michigan Dental Association (MDA), President of the West Michigan District, Chairman of the MDA Annual Session, member of the Grand Rapids Symphony Community Choir, and a missions dentist. He remains social with Detroit Mercy former classmates and feels the School serves as “a cornerstone for social joy and professional relationships that continue to this day”. Rupprecht is especially proud to share alumnus status with his grandfather, who graduated as an electrical engineer.
Kristina Okolisan-Mulligan, R.D.H., B.S. ‘91, M.A. ‘11 | Why you are proud to be an alum-
nus: "I am proud to be an alumnus because the University of Detroit Mercy was always known for clinical excellence and still is; I am honored to be a part of it."
Eryn Huber, R.D.H. ‘09, D.D.S. ‘16 | Fondest
memory of your time at Detroit Mercy: “My fondest memory is being a co-speaker for our class speech. It was a great honor to represent my class as Vice President for all four years!”
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Mark Murphy, B.S. ‘77, D.D.S. ‘81 | “I have so many classmates that I am still close with from both undergraduate and dental school. I had so many excellent and inspiring Jesuit faculty in undergraduate that helped shape my thinking and philosophy of life. The dental faculty was very good at preparing us for the real world of dentistry.” said Murphy. He also recalls fond memories of his time at Detroit Mercy Dental when he had the honor of teaching microbiology lab with Professor John Molinari as a D1 student and human anatomy with Professors Ann Ettinger and Larry Anderson as a D2 – D4 student. Murphy also credits the beloved Professor Anderson with inspiring him to obtain lifelong fitness.
Ana Janic, D.D.S ‘08, M.S. ‘11 | Fondest
memory of your time at Detroit Mercy: “Receiving the outstanding clinical faculty member award in 2021 by my students was the biggest honor, pleasure, and pride-filled moment of my life.”
Keith Norwalk, D.D.S. ‘69 | “My dental education was second to none, and it has enabled me to teach in some dental capacity for over 40 years”, says Norwalk. Norwalk has achieved many notable accomplishments, some of which include being a three-time recipient of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) Lifelong Learning and Service Recognition; earning the Ohio Dental Association Recipient of Humanitarian Award; serving as the President of the Greater Toledo Dental Society twice; and being the Director of Master Track for the Ohio AGD General Dentistry. In addition, Norwalk is an assistant clinical professor for Advanced Education in General Dentistry program at Case Western Reserve School of Dental Medicine.
Jay Williams, D.D.S., ‘16 | Fondest memory of
your time at Detroit Mercy: “Having my good friend donate a molar root canal for me to do the last week of school to graduate on time!”
Dean Kathi Shepherd receives the Michigan Dental Hygienists’ Association Frances Shook Award
Congratulations to Assistant Dean of Educational Development and Assessment and Interim Assistant Dean for Academic Administration Kathi Shepherd, who was awarded the Michigan Dental Hygienists’ Association (MDHA) Frances Shook Award. This prestigious award is presented to a professional who emulates the qualities and attributes of Frances Shook, former president of MDHA, and has significantly contributed to the dental hygiene profession. Shepherd is active in professional associations, including the American Dental Hygienists’ Association, MDHA and the Greater Detroit District Dental Hygienists’ Society as a leader, facilitator and advocate. She is a sought-after continuing education speaker because of her expertise, benefiting clinicians throughout the state and region. Shepherd’s passion and dedication to her students, colleagues, alumni and peers made her deserving of the recognition as a recipient of the Frances Shook Award.
Aman Gupta and Ana Janic present at the Midwest Microbial Pathogensis Conference
Assistant Professor Aman Gupta and Clinical Assistant Professor Ana Janic M.S. '11 presented at the 27th Annual Midwest Microbial Pathogensis Conference (MMPC). Gupta and Janic’s poster presentation was titled “Prevalence of Urinary Tract Infection in Libyan Infants and Young Children with Sensitivity Testing of Bacterial Isolates.”
Hosted by Michigan State University, the MMPC provides an interactive and engaging scientific forum for investigators to present their work and establish collaborations. MMPC fosters networking between institutions across the Midwest and provides great opportunities for students, fellows and faculty alike to make important new contacts.
Office of Student Services and Enrollment represent Detroit Mercy Dental at the 2022 ADEA GoDental Recruitment Event
On March 19, the Office of Student Services and Enrollment Management proudly represented Detroit Mercy Dental at the 2022 American Dental Education Association (ADEA) GoDental Recruitment Event in Philadelphia, Penn.
Assistant Dean of Student Services and Enrollment Management Juliette Daniels presented “Protecting Your Well-Being When Preparing for Dental School” as the keynote speaker of the packed event. Director of Admissions Steven Chang was a featured panelist who, along with other university admissions officers, answered important questions and presented a short video on admissions-specific topics. In addition, Director of Diversity and Inclusion Melvin Lunkins and dental students Ja'Nay Jones, Sierra Dowlen and Trey Hester represented Detroit Mercy Dental during the cumulative recruitment fair.
Photo courtesy of the American Dental Education Association.
Divesh Byrappagari receives Johnson & Johnson Consumer Health grant in support of Mobile Clinic
Director of Outreach Divesh Byrappagari has received a $300,000 grant from Johnson & Johnson Consumer Health to support the School of Dentistry’s mobile clinic. Funds from the grant will support the beloved Titans for Teeth Mobile Clinic and will also provide a four-year scholarship to a deserving under-represented minority dental student selected from the Summer Enrichment Program at Detroit Mercy Dental.
The Titans for Teeth Mobile Clinic provides comprehensive dental care to uninsured and underserved adults and children in the Detroit Metropolitan Area.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Charo Earle, B.S., R.D.H. ‘01 | “I knew as a young child that I wanted to enter the dental field and attend Detroit Mercy. As a Detroit native, I am proud to tell people that I am an alumnus, and I am so happy to see the continued growth and expansion that is occurring.”
Kara Gee, R.D.H., B.S. ‘09 | What makes you
proud to be an alumnus? “I am grateful for the education and experiences that Detroit Mercy Dental provided. My education laid the foundation for a career in community health and the passion for serving others.”
Timothy Kosinski, D.D.S. ‘84 | Fondest memory of your time at Detroit Mercy: “Mr. Hoban calling me into his office during second year to give me a scholarship from alumnus John Honos, D.D.S. ‘57, whose criteria was some scholastic achievement, clinical competence, and a good sense of humor. I’ve tried to keep that good sense of humor all along”
Stephen Chartier, D.D.S. ‘96 | After 20 years of service, Chartier retired from the United States Air Force as Colonel. During his time in the service, he completed a comprehensive dentistry residency and then became the director for the advanced education of general dentistry-1 residency program – a position he held for 13 years. Chartier is an associate professor at the Uniformed Services University of Health Services and most recently concluded his presidency with the American Board of General Dentistry in 2021. He adds, “I will always value the relationships I made during my time at Detroit Mercy Dental. Some of the best people I have ever met in my life were people I met during my time there.”
Gary Spangler, D.D.S. ‘72 What makes you proud to be an alumnus?
“Because of my education, I have been able to live a comfortable life, raise a great family and provide guidance to others who choose to go into the field of dentistry.”
