Dental Alumni Board of Directors
Detroit Mercy Dental Alumni Board of Directors
The Dental Alumni Board of Directors at the University of Detroit Mercy has a purpose that's as inspiring as it is essential: to promote and sustain a strong bond between the School of Dentistry and its esteemed graduates. The board has a diverse range of objectives that strive to keep its members connected and engaged with the School of Dentistry. They work to maintain the highest ethical standards of the dental profession, embodying a passion for learning and serving the community. As knowledgeable advisers, they act as a conduit between dental educators, dental students, hygiene students, and the dental profession as a whole. The board facilitates the transition of dental and dental hygiene students into the practice of dentistry, while also serving as the formal Advisory Board to the Dental Hygiene Program and the Institute for Advanced Continuing Education. Lastly, the board also serves as an advisor to the Director of Development and raises funds through coordinated fundraising and capital campaigns for the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry.
For more information about how you can become involved, contact us at dentalar@udmercy.edu.
2025-2026 Dental Alumni Board of Directors
Sarmad Alyas-Askar, M.S., D.D.S. ’13, M.S.
Dr. Sarmad M. Alyas-Askar earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry in 2013. He previously completed a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Calvin College and a Master of Science in Basic Medical Sciences from Wayne State University. Following dental school, Alyas-Askar completed a general practice residency at Summa Health Hospital in Ohio, where he treated medically compromised patients and performed a wide range of esthetic, surgical and endodontic procedures. He later earned an M.S. in Dentistry and a Certificate in Endodontics from Indiana University School of Dentistry, where his research in regenerative endodontics was recognized and published.
In 2020, Alyas-Askar achieved board certification as a diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics, a distinction held by fewer than 30% of practicing endodontists. He serves as a part-time faculty member in the Graduate Endodontic Department at Detroit Mercy Dental and was recently appointed to the school’s Alumni Board of Directors. Alyas-Askar is a member of the American Dental Association, Michigan Dental Association, American Association of Endodontists, Michigan Association of Endodontists and Detroit District Dental Society. He has been named a “Top Dentist” by Hour Detroit magazine every year since entering practice. Outside the clinic, he enjoys travel, tennis, exploring new cuisines and spending time with his wife, Dima, and their son, Simon.
Ramzi Atoui, D.D.S. ’95
Dr. Ramzi Atoui began his academic journey at the University of Michigan, where he majored in biochemistry, and went on to earn his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Detroit Mercy. Following dental school, Atoui completed a postgraduate residency at MCO Hospital in Ohio and an oral surgery externship at the Cleveland Medical Center, further enhancing his clinical training and surgical experience.
Atoui is the founder of Lakewood Dental Group, a practice known for its high-quality, patient-centered care. He also serves as a clinical consultant for The Dental Advisor. He has held leadership roles in organized dentistry, including delegate or alternate for the Michigan Dental Association and positions within the Detroit District Dental Society, where he served as chair of the Host and Monitor Committee and as president. In recognition of his contributions, Atoui was honored with the Pierre Fauchard Academy Award.
Kimberly Barbour, D.D.S. ’21
Dr. Kimberly Barbour graduated from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry in 2021 after earning a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry in 2017 at the McNichols Campus. She is a proud member of the Michigan Dental Association and practices in Mt. Clemens and Grosse Pointe.
Barbour is passionate about music and can often be heard humming along to the radio or to songs stuck in her head, even over the sounds of the dental office. She is frequently seen roaming the aisles of Aldi and Costco on her lunch hour.
Sarah Charland, R.D.H., B.S. ’17
Ms. Sarah Charland graduated from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science and a Certificate in Dental Hygiene. As a student, she attended alumni board meetings, which inspired her to join the board after graduation.
Charland has held a variety of roles since completing her degree, including travel dental hygiene. She currently practices in St. Clair Shores alongside Dr. Richard Raad.
Linda Dobis, D.D.S. ’94
Dr. Linda Dobis received her Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry. She completed a hospital dental residency at the University of Iowa, where she also pursued periodontal and implant training. Dobis is a diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology.
After returning to Michigan, Dobis began teaching at the University of Detroit Mercy and started practicing at Periodontic and Implantology Associates. She was named Clinical Instructor of the Year at Detroit Mercy Dental and served as faculty advisor to her dental fraternity for more than 15 years. She has been elected as a delegate or alternate to the Michigan Dental Association multiple times and has lectured locally and regionally on periodontics and implants. Dobis is recognized for her clinical expertise and her kind and caring approach to patient care.
Stephanie A. Jaghab, D.D.S. ’93
Dr. Stephanie A. Jaghab completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Detroit Mercy and earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery in 1993. While in dental school, Jaghab was active in student government, the Michigan Dental Association, the American Student Dental Association and the Pierre Fauchard Academy. She presented table clinics locally and at the Chicago Midwinter Meeting, receiving several awards. She later taught as an adjunct professor in the preclinic.
In 2001, Jaghab married fellow Detroit Mercy Dental alumnus Dr. Jeffrey Jaghab, and the couple joined his practice in Northville, Michigan. She remained active in organized dentistry, including the Detroit District Dental Society, where she served as the first pregnant female president of the Detroit District Clinic Club. Dentistry runs in her extended family, with multiple siblings, in-laws and a nephew also graduating from Detroit Mercy Dental.
Jaghab and her husband raised four children, two of whom attended Detroit Mercy. Now that her children are grown, she looks forward to continuing her commitment to the profession through alumni board service.
Ali Khanafer, D.D.S. ’24
Dr. Ali Khanafer graduated from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry in 2024 after earning a Bachelor of Science from Wayne State University in 2019. During dental school, he served as vice president of the American Student Dental Association and chief of staff for ASDA District 6. He was honored with the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology Achievement Award and mentored students in the Simulation Lab for three years. Khanafer is a member of the American Dental Association, Michigan Dental Association and Academy of General Dentistry. He currently resides in Windsor, Ontario, and practices dentistry in Warren, Michigan. Outside the office, Khanafer enjoys spending time with family and friends, staying active at the gym and exploring new restaurants.
Marcy Murrell, R.D.H. ’93, D.D.S. ’02
Dr. Marcy Murrell earned a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from the University of Detroit in 1993 and a Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Detroit Mercy in 2002. Upon graduation, she received multiple awards, including the American Academy of Dental Practice Award, Organization of Teachers of Oral Diagnosis Award, Quintessence Award for Clinical Achievement in Restorative Dentistry, Dental Hygiene Community Service Award and the Russell W. Bunting Study Club Award for Excellence in Periodontics. Murrell currently works in private practice and as an adjunct clinical assistant professor at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. She previously taught at Detroit Mercy Dental and serves as a clinical consultant for The Dental Advisor. She is a member of the American Dental Association, Michigan Dental Association and Detroit District Dental Society. Murrell lives in Northville with her husband, David, and their three children.
Mark R. Mortiere, M.S. ’82, D.D.S. ’86, MAGD
Dr. Mark Mortiere earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Sociology and Biology from the University of Michigan. He then completed a Master of Science (M.S.) in Biology and a Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Detroit. He later completed a general practice residency at the Ann Arbor VAMC, earned fellowship status in the Academy of General Dentistry in 1996 and received his mastership in 2009. Mortiere has operated a private dental practice in Livonia since 1988. He is also a full-time clinical assistant professor and clinic lead at Detroit Mercy Dental. Mortiere holds memberships in the American Dental Association, Michigan Dental Association, Detroit District Dental Society, Academy of General Dentistry, Detroit Dental Clinic Club and Plymouth Research Institute.
Peter Namou, D.D.S. ’17
Dr. Peter Namou completed the accelerated dental program at the University of Detroit Mercy, earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Doctor of Dental Surgery in 2017. He graduated magna cum laude and received several awards, including the Pierre Fauchard Academy Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement.
Namou has volunteered on dental mission trips to Haiti following the 2010 earthquake and Hurricane Matthew in 2016. He currently practices family dentistry in Clinton Township, where he is dedicated to helping patients achieve brighter, healthier smiles.
Hayden Sutton, D.D.S. ’23
Dr. Hayden Sutton graduated from the University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry before earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry in 2023. At Alabama, he was a recipient of the Presidential Scholarship and held officer roles in the Pre-Dental Society.
At Detroit Mercy Dental, Sutton served as class president throughout his four years and was inducted into Omicron Kappa Upsilon, the national dental honor society. He is a member of the American Dental Association, Michigan Dental Association, Alpha Omega and the Academy of General Dentistry.
Sutton was born and raised in Lowell, Michigan, where he was active in sports and student leadership. In his free time, he enjoys rock climbing and listening to records on vinyl. Sutton is an avid coffee drinker and loves to talk about sports with his patients.
Mario Tomei, D.D.S. ’92
Dr. Mario Tomei earned a Bachelor of Science from Eastern Michigan University and a Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry in 1992. He is a member of the American Dental Association, Michigan Dental Association and Academy of General Dentistry, as well as the Livonia Chamber of Commerce. Tomei volunteers at the Gary Bernstein Clinic in Pontiac, Michigan, and supports numerous community programs, including church events, food banks and sports teams. He lives in Plymouth with his wife and their three children. In his free time, he enjoys boating, snowmobiling, target shooting and time at his cottages in northern Michigan.
John P. Warr, D.D.S. ’85, FICOI
Dr. John Warr earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Detroit. He also earned fellowship status in the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. Warr is a member of the American Dental Association, Michigan Dental Association and Oakland County Dental Society. A native of Detroit, he has practiced in Waterford for more than 35 years. He resides in Bloomfield Hills and enjoys traveling, photography, golf and spending time with his wife, sons and extended family.