Leadership

Meet the Dean

Mert N. Aksu, D.D.S, J.D., MHSA, Cert. DPH

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Mert N. Aksu, D.D.S, J.D., MHSA, Cert. DPH, was named Dean of the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry in July 2008. Dean Aksu has served as a faculty member and administrator at the School of Dentistry since 1993.

Dean Aksu earned a B.S. in Biological Sciences and Psychology from the University of Michigan Dearborn, a masters in Health Services Administration from the University of Michigan School of Public Health, a D.D.S. from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, a J.D. from Wayne State University, and a certificate specializing in Public Health from Case Western Reserve University. He is also a diplomate of the American Board of Dental Public Health. Dean Aksu is a former attending staff of Henry Ford Health Systems, a member of the State Bar of Michigan, and is a Fellow with the American College of Legal Medicine, American College of Dentists, International College of Dentists, Academy of General Dentistry, and Pierre Fauchard Academy.

Dean Aksu has held numerous administrative positions at the school, including associate dean for clinic administration and executive associate dean.

Through his leadership, he began a number of activities to further the mission of Detroit Mercy and the school. He was the founding chairperson of the Department of Patient Management, enhanced community outreach opportunities, and fostered an environment of patient care, based on a comprehensive care model.

Read more about Dean Aksu here

Office of the Dean

Assistant to the Dean

Crystal Becker
(313) 494-6620
walikacm@udmercy.edu
DC 468

Assistant Dean for Student Services & Enrollment

Juliette Daniels, Ed.D.
(313) 494-6850
danieljc@udmercy.edu
DC 470

Assistant Dean of Educational Development and Assessment and Interim Director, Dental Hygiene Program

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Kathi Shepherd, R.D.H, M.S.
Associate Professor
(313) 494-6693
shephekr@udmercy.edu
DC 453

Associate Dean for Academic Administration

Dr. Jon Ryder

Jon S. Ryder, D.D.S., M.S.
313-494-6656
ryderjs@udmercy.edu

DC 465

Director of Business and Finance

Hart

Dana Hart, M.A. 
(313) 494-6610
hartda@udmercy.edu
DC 469