Dental Alumni Board of Directors
The Dental Alumni Board maintains and perpetuates friendly cooperation among Detroit Mercy Dental graduates and prospective students members, helping to further Detroit Mercy Dental's objectives and upholding the highest standards of the dental profession.
For more information about how you can become involved, contact us at dentalar@udmercy.edu.
2018-2019 Detroit Mercy Dental Alumni Board
Michael Vilag, D.D.S. '13
President
Dr. Michael Vilag received his undergraduate and Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Detroit Mercy. Dr. Vilag prides himself with his commitment to giving back to the community. He is also a member of the Michigan Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity, and American Dental Association, He was recently honored by the Michigan Section of the Pierre Fauchard Academy for early career achievements.
John Dinka, D.D.S. '86
Vice President
Dr. John Dinka received both his undergraduate and Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Detroit. He is involved with the American Dental Association, Michigan Dental Association, Macomb District Dental Society, Detroit District Dental Society, and the Academy of General Dentistry. He has practiced with his wife in Sterling Heights since 1989.
He is committed to giving back to the community and is a volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America: Council Advisory Council as well as Country Day’s Blue and Gold Club Board. When Dr. Dinka isn’t practicing dentistry, he enjoys traveling.
Janet G. Miller, R.D.H. '70, B.S.
Secretary
Ms. Janet Miller graduated from the Dental Hygiene Program at the University of Detroit School of Dentistry and has been actively involved with the dental hygiene profession for many years. In clinical practice, Ms. Miller concentrated on treating the periodontal patient in a general dental office. Opportunities have allowed her to train, lecture and develop programs to identify and treat these patients in private practice. She also successfully managed a multi-state mobile dental business which focused on prevention services for the underserved. Through this company, she was able to develop another avenue of practice for the dental hygienist.
Her work as a dental educator and lecturer in Michigan has allowed her to speak on a variety of topics which include the relationship of oral cancer and HPV, the path and influence of salivary diagnostics in today’s dental world, and the exciting future of dental hygiene. Currently she practices clinical dental hygiene, president and owner of a CPR training business, and is a Dental Hygiene Educator for Interleukin Genetics, the makers of the genetic test PerioPredict.
Ms. Miller is a member of ADHA and past president of her local component, OCDHA. Currently, she is the President of the Michigan Dental Hygienists’ Association. In 2014, she received the honorary membership into the National Dental Hygiene Society, Sigma Phi Alpha-Omega Chapter. Ms. Miller is also on the Baker College Health and Sciences Advisory Board of Directors.
William Demray, D.D.S. ‘75
Dr. William Demray is the founder of Preservation Dental, owning and operating his general dentistry practice since 1977. Dr. Demray received his Bachelor of Science degree from Wayne State University, and his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Detroit. He holds a dental license in the states of Michigan, Illinois and Washington and is Canadian Board Certified. He is a Fellow in the Academy of Dentistry International, the International College of Dentists and the Pierre Fauchard Academy. Dr. Demray is an active member of the American Dental Association, the Michigan Dental Association, the Detroit District Dental Association, the Ilinois State Dental Society, the Chicago Dental Society, the Washington State Dental Association, the American Academy of Periodontology, the International Academy of Periodontology and the FDI World Dental Federation (formerly known as Federation Dentaire Internationale). He is also the Pierre Fauchard Academy Illinois Section Chair. Dr. Demray has strong ties to the community of Northville, Michigan, and, among his personal achievements, he is a World Record Holder in the National Aeronautics Association.
Nicholas A. Fontana, D.D.S. ‘72
Dr. Nicholas Fontana is starting his third term as a member of the Detroit Mercy Dental Alumni Board. He has served previous board terms as secretary, treasurer and parliamentarian. He feels that it is an honor for him to give back to the dental school which has been such an important part of his professional life. Dr. Fontana retired from his dental practice in October, 2013, but currently serves on the board of the Michigan Dental Foundation and the MDA Insurance and Financial Group. He is also a member of the Nominating Committee for the Michigan Dental Association and Associate Editor of the Oakland County Dental Review. He is a member of the Michigan Oral Health Coalition. For the past four years, Dr. Fontana has returned to his love of teaching as an attending dentist for the dental residency program at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Oakland. In addition to his professional life, he enjoys his five grandchildren, golfing and woodworking.
John Kazanowski, D.D.S. ‘79
Dr. John Kazanowski received his undergraduate degree from Michigan State University, and his dental degree from the University of Detroit School of Dentistry. He then completed additional training in Oral Implantology at Harvard School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Kazanowski has worked for more than thirty years at a private practice in Bingham Farms, Michigan.
Patrick Latcham, D.D.S. ‘81
Dr. Patrick Latcham received his Doctorate in Dental Surgery from University of Detroit School of Dentistry, following his graduations from University of Detroit High School and Xavier University in Cincinnati, OH. He also earned the prestigious Masters award (MAGD), the highest available from the Academy of General Dentistry. Dr. Latcham has practiced dentistry in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, since 1981. His special interests include comprehensive implant procedures, cosmetic dentistry, and TMD treatment. In addition, Dr. Latcham received extensive training in laser treatment for gum disease, as well as CEREC, the system for one-visit crowns. Dr. Latcham has been an evaluator for Clinicians Report, a non-profit educational research organization. Their monthly reports are published worldwide in seven languages.
Dr. Latcham balances his busy career with an active home life. He and his cherished wife, Linda , enjoy skiing, water sports, sailing, and biking with their four terrific sons.
Mark R. Mortiere, M.S. ‘82, D.D.S. ‘86
Dr. Mark Mortiere attended the University of Michigan, where he received his B.A. in Psychology/Sociolgy/Biology. He also attended the University of Detroit, where he received his M.S. in Biology, and his D.D.S. Continuing his pursuit of higher education, he completed a GPR from Ann Arbor VAMC, his FAGD in 1996 and his MAGD in 2009. Since 1988 he has had a private dental practice in Livonia, MI, is a part time floating dentist with Aspen Dental, and a part-time faculty member at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry. Dr. Mortiere is a member of the American Dental Association, Michigan Dental Association, Detroit District Dental Society, Academy of General Dentistry, Detroit Dental Clinic Club and Plymouth Research Institute.
Richard Raad, D.D.S. '84
Dr. Richard G. Raad attended Wayne State University and studied chemistry before completing his dental education at University of Detroit Mercy in 1984. He completed The Aesthetic Program at The State University of New York at Buffalo (SUNY) and Implant Prosthetics Training at The Misch Institute. He has studied at The Pankey Institute in Key Biscayne, Florida and throughout the country in all disciplines in dentistry. He received his Fellowship Awards in the Academy of General Dentistry in 1998 and the Academy of Dental - Facial Aesthetics. He currently works in private practice and enjoys providing excellent dentistry to all the wonderful patients he meets. On his time off, he enjoys spending time with his wife Karen and 3 wonderful kids. He also enjoys bicycling, running and working out. He has competed in many duathlons and half marathons locally.
Richard G. Raad, D.D.S. is a past adjunct professor, Department of Restorative Dentistry University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry. He taught preclinical dentistry to DS1 and DS2 dental students and clinical dentistry to the DS3 and DS4 dental students. His areas of special interest are mentoring the dental students to be the best dentists in our communities and teaching aesthetic restorative dentistry techniques. He has received recognition by the dental students for teaching excellence.
Basam Shamo, D.D.S. '13
Dr. Basam Shamo received his undergraduate degree in Biochemistry and Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Detroit Mercy. Dr. Shamo strives to practice under the philosophy that the patient’s wants and needs are essential to providing the best treatment while in a comfortable and relaxing environment; and prides himself with his commitment to giving back to the community. He also serves on the executive board for the Detroit District Dental Society and on the Committee on Membership for the Michigan Dental Association.
Benjamin Underwood, D.D.S. ‘15
Dr. Benjamin Underwood graduated from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry in 2015. Dr. Underwood is a proud member of the Michigan Dental Association where he serves as the Chairperson on the Continuing Education Committee. In addition, he also serves as the Deputy of the Delta Sigma Delta Pi Pi undergraduate chapter. Dr. Underwood holds memberships in the Academy of General Dentistry, Pierre Fauchard Academy, and the American Dental Association. Dr. Underwood practices in Warren, MI and when he’s not in the office he can be found on the golf course.
Jenna Strader-Zelek, R.D.H., B.S. '01
Ms. Jenna Strader-Zelek graduated from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry in 2001 with her Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene. She was honored to be inducted into the dental national honor society, Sigma Phi Alpha and was one of only two students invited to sit on the Accredidation Committee. She says that that experience opened her eyes as to what an amazing school Detroit Mercy really is. She has worked in private practice, with an exceptional dentist, since 2001, and says that seeing her periodontal therapy patients transform from disease to health keeps her motivated in this field. Volunteering is important to Jenna, as she jumps in to offer her dental hygiene services at outreach programs throughout the year, including an annual dental event held at Ford Field in partnership with the Detroit Lions. The elementary students in her area also benefit from her regular visits to their classroom, bringing books, puppets and tooth models to share. She says that the relationship she's developed with her patients is a two way street. While she may be the one giving dental treatment, she also takes something valuable away from each and every patient experience. "I'm incredibly grateful for this new position on the Alumni Board, because it keeps me involved in a school that I love very much".
Barbara Zrebski, R.D.H. '75, M.B.A.
Ms. Barb Zrebski graduated from University of Detroit Dental School with a Certificate in Dental Hygiene as Class Valedictorian. Barb was elected to Sigma Phi Alpha, a dental hygiene honor society. She later graduated from University of Detroit with a Bachelor of Science, Summa Cum Laude. She received her Master's in Business Administration from the University of Michigan. Ms. Zrebski has worked for the past 25 years as a Dental Hygienist.