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.
2016-2017 Detroit Mercy Dental Alumni Board
Theodore Degenhardt III, D.D.S. '79
President
Dr. Ted Degenhardt received his D.D.S. degree from the University of Detroit in 1979. Staying abreast of present-day trends and continuing his education is a priority. Dr. Degenhardt has completed all five continuums at the prestigious L.D. Pankey Institute for Continuing Dental Education along with intensive oral surgery and endodontic training at the University of Detroit. Dr. Degenhardt is also continuing his education in cosmetic and restorative dentistry at the Kois Center of Creative Excellence in Tacoma, WA, and has additional training from 3i and Branemark Dental Implant companies.
Dr. Degenhardt has served as president of the Detroit Dental Clinic Club, and is a member of American Dental Association, Michigan Dental Association, Oakland County Dental Association, and Detroit District Dental Society.
Alyssa L. Cairo, D.D.S. '00
Vice President
Dr. Alyssa Cairo graduated in the top of her class from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry, where she served as class president and conducted dental research as president of the research club. Dr. Cairo also holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan in both Biology and English Literature. She has published research in trade journals and presented internationally. She has been awarded academic honors, the Dental Implant Award from the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, and the Research Excellence Award. Dr. Cairo is also active in professional societies including the Washtenaw District Dental Society, American Academy of Laser Dentistry, Michigan Dental Association, and American Dental Association.
Dr. Cairo brings an artistic flair and personal touch to the practice of patient care. She has developed a strong skill for reassuring and treating individuals with dental anxiety. Her practice emphasizes complete restorative and cosmetic services for the entire family, with special equipment and materials for the care of children. Dr. Cairo is married with two daughters, Ella and Sophia and one son, Reid.
Dr. Cairo has been honored in Hour Magazine's Top Dentist publication for several years. She also was inducted as a fellow in the Pierre Fauchard Academy, which recognizes outstanding dentists and their achievements.
Janet G. Miller, R.D.H., B.S. '70
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 Education Chair for MDHA and was recently inducted as MDHA Vice President for 2015-16. 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 S. 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 (ADI), the International College of Dentists (ICD) and the Pierre Fauchard Academy (PFA). 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.
Catherine M. Dinka, D.D.S. '88
Dr. Catherine Dinka completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Detroit School of Dentistry in 1988. Along with her husband, Dr. John Dinka, she has had a general practice for over 27 years. Her professional associations includes being a member of American Dental Association (ADA), Michigan Dental Association (MDA), Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), The Tri-county Dental Health Council, Donated Dental Services, Macomb Dental Society, and Pierre Fauchard Academy.
Stephanie Dyc, R.D.H., B.S. '05
Ms. Stephanie Dyc is a Registered Dental Hygienist who has temporarily retired to raise her family. She continues to support the dental mission. Stephanie graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Detroit Mercy. She received her R.D.H. license in 2005 and is an active member of the ADHA. Stephanie lives in Plymouth, MI and is married with 3 children.
Nicholas Fontana, D.D.S. '72
Dr. Nick 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 (DDS) 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.
James Lepczyk, D.D.S. '78
Dr. James Lepczyk received his Bachelor of Science from Michigan State University and continued his education at the University of Detroit from 1974-1978 where he received a Doctor of Dental Surgery in 1978. He then went on to obtain the Certificate in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery from Sinai Hospital of Detroit. Dr. Lepczyk is currently an attending staff at several area hospitals, as well as an adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Detroit Mercy. Dr. Lepczyk is a member of the American Dental Association (ADA), Michigan Dental Association (MDA) Oakland County Dental Society, Omicron Kappa Upsilon, National Dental Honorary Fraternity, Alpha Sigma Nu, National Jesuit Honor Society, Michigan State Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Diplomat of the American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, American Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Michigan Society of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, Detroit Academy of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Chalmers J. Lyons Academy of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery and the Academy of Osseointegration.
Mark R. Mortiere, M.S. '82, D.D.S. '86
Dr. Mark Mortiere attended the University of Michigan, where he received his BA 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 ADA, MDA, Detroit District Dental Society, Academy of General Dentistry, Detroit Dental Clinic Club and Plymouth Research Institute.
Michael Vilag, D.D.S. '13
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 (MDA), Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity, and American Dental Association (ADA).
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.