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Reflections on Dentistry: A Black History Month Q&A
Friday February 27, 2026
Every day, the faculty at Detroit Mercy Dental bring unique perspectives and expertise that shape the future of oral health and dental education. In honor of Black History Month, we are excited to present Reflecting on Black History: Faculty Q&A, featuring three distinguished leaders:
Melanie E. Mayberry, D.D.S., M.S.-HCM – clinical professor and specializing in prenatal dental care.
Anthony L. Neely, D.D.S., M.Dent.Sc., Ph.D. – associate professor, committed to advancing clinical training and patient care.
Tamika N. Thompson-Sloan, D.D.S. ’02, M.S. ’11, FACD, FICD – clinical associate professor, Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology, with extensive expertise in periodontics and mentoring future dental professionals.
In this Q&A, our faculty share insights on education, leadership, and mentorship, reflecting on how history, culture, and representation continue to shape dental education and patient care. Join us to hear their stories, perspectives and experiences that highlight the lasting impact of Black history at Detroit Mercy Dental.
Melanie E. Mayberry,
D.D.S., M.S.-HCM
Clinical Professor and Division Director, Practice Essentials and Interprofessional EducationQ: Research shows that up to 60–75% of pregnant people experience gum disease, yet many do not receive dental care during pregnancy (Xiong et al., 2006; American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2013). How have these gaps in care influenced your approach to maternal and prenatal dental health?
A: Disparities should always be considered when engaging in work that seeks to help reduce barriers, close healthcare access gaps, and improve patient care experiences and outcomes. Knowing disparities creates a better foundation to understand why we are seeing less than ideal oral health and less than ideal access to care for vulnerable communities.
Q: Given that some populations face higher risks of pregnancy-related periodontal disease (Offenbacher et al., 2006; Wu et al., 2015), what strategies do you use to educate and mentor students on providing thoughtful and effective care for expectant mothers?
A: In my division, Practice Essentials and Interprofessional Education, we teach culturally sensitive care to dental students for current and historically marginalized communities. We also provide educational instruction through our person-centered care course. When students grasp these valuable skills, they have the tools to translate and apply In my division, Practice Essentials and Interprofessional Education, we teach culturally sensitive care to dental students serving current and historically marginalized communities. We also provide instruction through our person-centered care course. When students grasp these skills, they have the tools to translate and apply their knowledge to the unique care considerations of expectant mothers. Additionally, last year, our clinical dental students and Advanced Education in General Dentistry residents received an interprofessional and interdisciplinary in-service on perinatal oral health to help engage learners and providers in our grant initiative to provide access to care and funding for dental treatment to qualified perinatal women.their knowledge and skills to the unique care considerations of expectant mothers. Additionally, last year, our clinical dental students and Advanced Education in General Dentistry residents received an interprofessional and interdisciplinary in-service on perinatal oral health to help engage learners and providers in our grant initiative of providing access to care and funding for dental treatment to qualified perinatal women.
Q: How does your work in interprofessional education help improve outcomes for mothers and families in communities where access to prenatal care may be limited?
A: The work of interprofessional education provides awareness, training, and experiences to learners and healthcare providers on the importance of perinatal oral health and how poor oral health can negatively impact pregnancy and birth outcomes. Knowing this helps patients and providers appreciate the importance of seeing a dentist and educates non-dental healthcare providers that the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry is an option for their patients’ care, a committed community partner, and a valuable resource. We reduce barriers to care for pregnant people by providing dental treatment at all stages of pregnancy and financial support to qualified women so they can receive the care they need. We also provide care for all members of the family, including geriatric, pediatric, adult, urgent, and comprehensive care.
Q: During Black History Month, what message would you share about the importance of oral health equity for Black mothers and their children?
A: Oral health is essential for overall health. For the space we share as a community, society, country, and world to be truly healthy, whole, and well, each member of our society must be healthy, whole, and well. Until this is fully understood and realized, we will never convert our greatest potential into our greatest good.
Anthony L. Neely,
D.D.S, M.Dent. Sc., Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Program Director of Graduate PeriodonticsQ: During Black History Month, what message would you share about the importance of education, representation, and leadership in Periodontics, and how it shapes the next generation of dental professionals?
A: Black History Month is celebrated in February each year, but Black History is American history. In fact, Black History is inextricably woven into the fabric of America. For nearly the entire history of the United States, people of African descent have been part of building the country’s foundation. Deplorably, during most of that history, Blacks were held in bondage and forced to labor and survive at the whim of their enslavers. Slaves were prohibited from partaking in any of the freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution. Well after the abolition of slavery in 1865, the vestiges of the old system persisted in nearly every aspect of American society. Segregation in housing and education was codified in law and strictly enforced in most places across the country until the Supreme Court’s 1954 Brown v. Board of Education decision, ending state-sanctioned segregation. The previous ruling better known as “Separate but Equal,” was ushered in by the Supreme Court decision Plessey vs. Ferguson in 1896. Stubbornly, some localities, particularly in southern states, refused to enforce the court order and maintained segregated schools for nearly two decades more, denying many Black students access to needed resources and opportunities. As a student who attended segregated schools for part of my education, I am also aware of the rarity of being an African American dental educator, especially in the specialty of Periodontics. The impact of my leadership positions as a faculty member, mentor and Director of the Graduate Program in Periodontics here at Detroit Mercy Dental and elsewhere is also understood. I believe that is important for students, patients and staff to what is achievable with hard work, dedication and most importantly, opportunity. The scarcity of people with my background in influential positions makes it vital to show others that there is a pathway for them to pursue similar career directions. I try to have these discussions with students as they rotate through our clinic as well as during meetings with Student National Dental Association (SNDA) members. I believe that all of society benefits from having talented people with diverse voices and experiences in our profession. Society has improved significantly during my lifetime, but much work still needs to be done.
Q: How do you ensure culturally aware and responsive care in your program, given Detroit’s diverse patient population?
A: As Director of Graduate Periodontics, I have the responsibility of directing an educational program that teaches dentists from vastly different backgrounds how to become periodontal and dental implant specialists. Residents spend countless hours in didactic and clinical training learning how the complex interplay between oral microflora bacteria) and the body’s immune system leads to the development and progression of periodontal diseases and tooth loss. However, understanding the technical aspects of the profession represents only one aspect of training. Residents also learn about who is affected by the disease and why. They learn that according to the 20009-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), periodontitis (gum disease) affects 42.2% of 30+ year-old US adults. Whereas this percentage is unacceptably high for everyone, the burden is not shared equally among all segments of the population. The rate of periodontitis is 59.7% among Mexican Americans, 56.6% among Non-Hispanic Blacks, 46.2% among other ethnic or multiracially identified groups and 37% among Non-Hispanic Whites. Although bacteria can cause periodontal disease, lack of access to proper oral health care, insufficient resources, comorbid conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, smoking, and obesity are among the important factors that help to explain the disparity among groups. Learning how to interact with those who suffer from the conditions we treat is equally, if not more important than the treatment itself. As aforementioned, the population we serve at Detroit Mercy is diverse with respect to ethnicity, religion, gender, disability, health and social status. Despite these differences, we strive to treat everyone we serve with dignity and respect. In fact, understanding cultural competence is so important that we build it into our program. To that end, we seek to make everyone we serve feel cared for and welcomed regardless of background. In keeping with Catholic and Jesuit traditions, we meet people where they are, despite their differences. Faculty model this behavior in every interaction with each patient, resident and staff member they encounter. A part of my role is to foster and maintain an environment that allows post-graduate students to learn the technical aspects of the profession while deepening their understanding of the humanity required to provide the care required to restore oral health. Faculty meet on a regular basis to assess not only the growth of each post-graduate’s technical skills, but also their ability to communicate and connect with patients. I frequently remind residents of the awesome trust our patients place in them and the reciprocal responsibility to honor and be worthy of that trust.
Q: How does your program engage post-graduate students and faculty in community outreach, and what impact do these initiatives have on improving access to care both locally and abroad?
A: We encourage all of our post-graduate students to give back to the community by participating in programs such as the Annual Men’s Health Event at Ford Field. This is a day-long program including staff, students, post-graduates and faculty from the dental school working together that provides free screenings to anyone in the community. In addition, men with suspicious lesions are seen at the Graduate Periodontics clinic for free biopsies. Other activities include outreach at free clinics in Detroit and surrounding areas and mission trips abroad to provide free treatment to those who otherwise could not afford care.
Tamika N. Thompson-Sloan,
D.D.S. ’02, M.S. ’11, FACD, FICD
Diplomate, American Board of Periodontology
Clinical Associate Professor
Divisions of Graduate Education & Clinical DentistryQ: As someone from the Detroit area and a periodontist serving the community, which includes veterans, how has your background influenced your approach to patient care?
A: My background shapes my approach to patient care because I have been exposed firsthand to the medical system. Not only am I a person diagnosed with a chronic condition, but I am also a doctor and an African American patient. That perspective helps me see dentistry through my patients’ eyes. I prioritize education so people understand the short- and long-term impacts of their choices and how those choices affect their overall health. As a periodontist, I always prioritize preserving natural teeth. I remind patients that we’re a team. I aim to always do something for them, never to them because successful outcomes require partnership. I speak to my patients and not above or beyond them. I meet my patients where they are and put things in a perspective that they understand. My aim is always to empower my patients and make them active participants in their overall health.
Q: Periodontal disease is highly prevalent in the United States, with about 42% of adults aged 30 and older affected and roughly 8% experiencing severe disease (Eke et al., 2015). How does this high burden of disease influence your approach to clinical practice and to educating students?
A: It reinforces my deep commitment to prevention and education. I help patients understand how systemic conditions like diabetes affect oral and overall health. I share my story with patients and my students. Sharing my story about my kidney transplant lets my students see a responsible doctor who has experienced health challenges. It enables credibility with the patients. They are more likely to listen because they can see me as a real person with real problems. My African American students and patients further see determination, overcoming and persistence. This removes excuses and forces patients and students to take ownership of their actions and medical conditions. Through outreach, I extend care and knowledge beyond my practice. I’m passionate about serving Black communities because early awareness can help prevent the progression to diabetes, kidney disease, and hypertension. Too often, people learn about the impact too late when options are limited. Education affords me the opportunity to change that outcome, especially in my community.
Q: What strategies do you emphasize when mentoring dental students about providing effective, patient-centered care and addressing oral health disparities?
A: I ask students to treat every patient as they would their own mother, what would they do differently? I teach them to see the person, not just the procedure. When patients feel genuinely cared for, trust and adherence improve. Cultural competence is essential to understanding disparities, achieving true informed consent, and honoring each patient’s values, needs, and goals.
Q: During Black History Month, what message would you share about the importance of representation and leadership in periodontics?
A: The message that I would share is that representation matters. It is important for all dentists, especially Black dentists, to be at the table in organized dentistry, in dental schools educating our students, and in the community serving. As an educator and periodontist, I serve as a role model, allowing students to see someone who looks like them in a profession they are interested in. I am a representation of what is possible. My job is to welcome the students in, educate them, and congratulate them on the way out. This is one of the main reasons I have served as Stage Marshall during commencement for several years. The other message I would share is that “to whom much is given, much is required”. True leadership carries a weight of selflessness and understanding that the task and purpose are bigger than one person. I share my story, the adversities, the wins, and the losses, as well as my resources, in hopes of opening doors and inspiring the next generation to lead with purpose. As I invest in my students, I encourage them to pay it forward, whether in practice, academia or in community mentoring.
As we reflect on Black History, the voices and experiences of our Detroit Mercy Dental faculty remind us that leadership, mentorship, and patient-centered care are deeply connected to the history, culture, and communities we serve. From advancing prenatal oral health to guiding the next generation of dental professionals, Drs. Mayberry, Neely, and Thompson-Sloan demonstrate how expertise, empathy, and commitment intersect to improve oral health outcomes. Their insights not only honor the legacy of Black history in dentistry but also inspire students, colleagues, and the community to carry forward a standard of care rooted in education, representation, and service.
References
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2013). Oral health care during pregnancy and through the lifespan. Committee Opinion No. 569. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 122(2 Pt 1), 417–422. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.AOG.0000433007.16843.10
Eke, P. I., Dye, B. A., Wei, L., Slade, G. D., Thornton-Evans, G. O., Borgnakke, W. S., Taylor, G. W., Page, R. C., Beck, J. D., & Genco, R. J. (2015). Update on prevalence of periodontitis in adults in the United States: NHANES 2009–2012. Journal of Periodontology, 86(5), 611–622. https://doi.org/10.1902/jop.2015.140520
Offenbacher, S., Boggess, K. A., Murtha, A. P., Jared, H. L., Lieff, S., McKaig, R. G., Mauriello, S. M., Moss, K. L., & Beck, J. D. (2006). Maternal periodontal disease and prematurity. Part I: Obstetric outcome of prematurity and growth restriction. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 195(2), 384–390. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2006.01.078
Wu, M., Chen, S. W., & Jiang, S. Y. (2015). Relationship between periodontal disease and risk of preeclampsia: A meta-analysis. Scientific Reports, 5, 11143. https://doi.org/10.1038/srep11143
Xiong, X., Buekens, P., Vastardis, S., Yu, S. M., & Pridjian, G. (2006). Periodontal disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes: A systematic review. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 113(2), 135–143. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-0528.2005.00827.x
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Dean’s High Five – February 2026
Thursday February 12, 2026
Every day, special achievements and newsworthy headlines are happening at the School of Dentistry. In an effort to give proper acknowledgment and share these successes, please tune in for the monthly Dean’s High 5 as we acknowledge those responsible for the top five stories happening at Detroit Mercy Dental.
If you have news to share, click here to submit your story for a chance to be featured in an upcoming Dean’s High Five!Kinaia and Sherman Surgical Suite**
Assistant Director of Graduate Periodontics and Associate Professor Bassam M. Kinaia, D.D.S. ’99, M.S. ’08, and recognizing Adjunct Professor (ret.) Donald B. Sherman, D.D.S. ’63, M.S.cD.
Detroit Mercy Dental celebrated the dedication of the Kinaia and Sherman Surgical Suite, honoring the leadership and generosity of Assistant Director of Graduate Periodontics and Associate Professor Bassam M. Kinaia, D.D.S. ’99, M.S. ’08, and recognizing Adjunct Professor (ret.) Donald B. Sherman, D.D.S. ’63, M.S.cD., for decades of mentorship, teaching, and service.
The suite will continue to serve students and patients, and its new name recognizes the impact Kinaia and Sherman have had on generations of learners and the broader dental community.
We celebrate this enduring legacy and the remarkable contributions of Kinaia and Sherman.
ASDA Giving Tree Inspires Service and Community at Detroit Mercy**
Detroit Mercy ASDA Members
University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry students participated in the American Student Dental Association (ASDA) Giving Tree initiative, which provided holiday gifts to two families in need. By coming together during the holiday season, students put compassion, service and whole-person care into action.
The ASDA Giving Tree reflects Detroit Mercy’s Jesuit and Mercy traditions, emphasizing community engagement, social responsibility and service to those most in need. Through this collective effort, students made a tangible impact while strengthening their connection to the mission and values that guide Detroit Mercy.
We commend the students involved for their generosity, leadership and continued commitment to service within the Detroit Mercy community.
Baghaie Excels in Historic Norwegian Foot March
Farzad Baghaie DS3 and 2LT with US Army, Captain Farhad Kevin Baghaie, D.D.S. ’22
Farzad Baghaie, a third-year Detroit Mercy Dental student, completed the Norwegian Foot March at Sheppard Air Force Base, finishing fourth among 140 competitors. He completed the 18.6-kilometer march in full uniform with a 30-pound rucksack in 3 hours, 50 minutes, earning the Norwegian Foot March Badge and military recognition.
The Norwegian Foot March is a long-standing endurance event and respected NATO tradition that recognizes physical readiness and perseverance. We congratulate Baghaie on the impressive accomplishment.
Kulbersh Honored with the Albert H. Ketcham Memorial Award**
Associate Professor Richard Kulbersh, D.M.D., M.S.
Associate Professor Richard Kulbersh, D.M.D., M.S., will be honored by the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) as the recipient of the Albert H. Ketcham Memorial Award, one of the organization’s most distinguished honors. The award will be presented during the ABO Awards Night on Sunday, May 3, in conjunction with the American Association of Orthodontists Annual Session in Orlando, Florida.
The Albert H. Ketcham Memorial Award recognizes exceptional contributions to the specialty of orthodontics through education, research and service. Kulbersh’s career reflects a deep commitment to advancing the profession and mentoring future orthodontists.
We congratulate Kulbersh on this well-earned recognition and thank him for his leadership and dedication to the orthodontic community.
Michigan AADOCR Hosts First Joint Student Event**
UMich’s Macey Palmer (DS2), Andrea Pobocik, D.D.S., Ph.D., M.S. from the University of Michigan,Professor and Assistant Director of Research, Eric Krukonis, Ph.D., and Clinical Assistant Professor Manuela Spinola, D.D.S., M.Sc., Ph.D.
The Michigan section of the American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR), led by Professor and Assistant Director of Research, Eric Krukonis, Ph.D., and Clinical Assistant Professor Manuela Spinola, D.D.S., M.Sc., Ph.D. along with Andrea Pobocik, D.D.S., Ph.D., M.S. from the University of Michigan, hosted Michigan’s first joint AADOCR student event. The program brought together students from the University of Detroit Mercy and the University of Michigan. Fourth-year dental student Ryan Elliot shared strategies for balancing research with the demands of dental school.
**These stories are mission and identity moments that highlight activities that reflect our Jesuit and Mercy values.
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Dean’s High Six – Fall 2025
Friday November 21, 2025
Every day, special achievements and newsworthy headlines are happening at the School of Dentistry. In an effort to give proper acknowledgment and share these successes, please tune in for the monthly Dean’s High 6 as we acknowledge those responsible for the top six stories happening at Detroit Mercy Dental.
**These stories are mission and identity moments that highlight activities that reflect our Jesuit and Mercy values.
If you have news to share, click here to submit your story for a chance to be featured in an upcoming Dean’s High Five!Buehner honored with the Frances Shook Award**
Marge Buehner, R.D.H., R.D.A, MHSA ’06
Clinical Associate Professor Marge Buehner, R.D.H., R.D.A., MHSA ’06, was honored as the recipient of the Frances Shook Award, a distinction that recognizes exceptional leadership, service and commitment within the dental hygiene profession. A proud graduate of Wayne County Community College and the University of Detroit Mercy, Buehner has made a profound and enduring impact through her dedication to teaching, advocacy and professional engagement.
Since her time as a degree-completion student at Detroit Mercy, Buehner has continually inspired students to take active roles in their profession—encouraging participation in professional associations, attendance at house of delegates sessions and involvement in community service. Her influence extends across numerous leadership positions within the Michigan Dental Hygienists’ Association (MDHA), the Greater Detroit Dental Hygienists’ Society and the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA).
We celebrate this well-deserved honor and commend Buehner for her unwavering commitment to advancing the dental hygiene profession.
Goodis inducted into HOUR Detroit’s 2025 Top Dentists Hall of Fame**
George Goodis, D.D.S., Dip. A.B.O.E.
George Goodis, D.D.S., Dip. A.B.O.E., part-time faculty member in the Graduate Endodontic Clinic, was honored with induction into HOUR Detroit Magazine’s 2025 Top Dentists Hall of Fame, a recognition celebrating excellence, innovation, and leadership within the profession. This past October, Goodis received the Hall of Fame Excellence in Care Dentist Award, acknowledging his remarkable contributions to dentistry and his enduring commitment to advancing patient care.
Goodis has shaped the field through transformative innovations—including the EdgePro Dental Laser and advancements in 3D imaging technology—enhancing treatment outcomes and elevating patient comfort. Beyond his clinical achievements, Goodis is deeply committed to education and mentorship, inspiring the next generation of Detroit Mercy trained dentists through his dedication and leadership.
We proudly celebrate this distinguished honor and commend Goodis for his lasting impact on the profession and the community it serves.
Neely Receives Excellence in Peer Review Award from the American Academy of Periodontology**
Anthony L. Neely, D.D.S., M.Dent.Sc., Ph.D., with Dr. Effie Ioannidou, Editor of the Journal of Periodontology
Associate Professor and Program Director of Graduate Periodontics Anthony L. Neely, D.D.S, M.Dent.Sc.,Ph.D., was honored with the Excellence in Peer Review Award, presented by the American Academy of Periodontology(AAP), a national recognition that celebrates reviewers who exemplify exceptional expertise, professionalism and a steadfast commitment to upholding the highest standards of scientific excellence. This distinction reflects Neely’s profound dedication as both an educator and researcher, embodying Detroit Mercy Dental’s mission to advance evidence-based practice and promote scholarly integrity.
We proudly applaud this achievement and extend our gratitude to Neely for his meaningful contributions to the continued advancement of periodontal science and education.
Haddow, Al Abbousi, and Campos inducted as Fellows of the American College of Dentists**
Michael Haddow, D.D.S., M.S.D., Dip. A.B.O., Rheem Al Abbousi, D.D.S. and Marinelle Campos D.D.S., Ph.D., M.S. ’14
Associate Professors Michael Haddow, D.D.S., M.S.D., Dip. A.B.O., Rheem Al Abbousi, D.D.S. and Marinelle Campos D.D.S., Ph.D., M.S. ’14 were honored with induction as Fellows of the American College of Dentists (ACD), one of the highest distinctions in the dental profession. This recognition celebrates their exemplary integrity, leadership, and service to patients, colleagues and the broader community. Each of these faculty members has demonstrated outstanding dedication to education, scholarship and professional excellence, reflecting the mission and values of the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry.
We proudly applaud this achievement and commend their ongoing contributions to advancing the dental profession.
Bora honored as Fellow of the Pierre Fauchard Academy and International College of Dentists**
Pranit Bora, B.D.S., M.D.S., M.S.
Clinical Assistant Professor Pranit Bora, B.D.S., M.D.S., M.S., was honored with induction as a Fellow of both the Pierre Fauchard Academy (PFA) and the International College of Dentists (ICD) at the 2025 Convocation in Washington, D.C. This distinguished recognition celebrates Bora’s exceptional contributions to dental education, mentorship and professional service. Bora expressed heartfelt gratitude to the mentors, colleagues and students at Detroit Mercy Dental whose support has inspired his work. Guided by the ICD motto, “Recognizing Service and the Opportunity to Serve,” he continues to embody the values of lifelong learning, leadership and community engagement.
We proudly celebrate this well-deserved honor and commend Bora for his dedication to advancing the dental profession.
University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry helps knock tobacco out of the park**
Dean Mert N. Aksu D.D.S., J.D., MHSA, Cert., M.P.H.
Detroit’s recent vote to ban smokeless tobacco in all sports venues is an important step in protecting the health of athletes, families and fans across the city. The University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry, led by Dean Mert N. Asksu, D.D.S., J.D., MHSA, Cert., M.P.H., played a role in supporting this effore through advocacy, education and a commitment to promoting-tobacco free communities. This achievement reflects the School of Dentistry’s mission to advance oral and overall health, serve the common good and collaborate to build a healthier, more equitable Detroit. We celebrate this milestone and the community partners that made it possible.
**These stories are mission and identity moments that highlight activities that reflect our Jesuit and Mercy values.
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National Dental Hygiene Month
Wednesday October 29, 2025
Dean’s Message
Dear Students, Faculty, Staff, and Members of Our Dental Community,
As we near the end of the month of October, I am writing to again remind you all of the national celebration of Dental Hygiene Month—a time dedicated to recognizing the vital role that dental hygienists play in promoting oral health and overall well-being.
This month has served as a meaningful reminder that preventive care is the cornerstone of dentistry. Our dental hygienists and hygiene students exemplify this every day through their commitment to patient education, clinical excellence, and compassionate care. Their work not only helps maintain healthy smiles but also contributes to the prevention of systemic health issues linked to oral disease.
I encourage everyone in our community to take this opportunity to acknowledge our dental hygiene faculty, students, and professionals for their contributions to both our school and the broader public. Let us also reaffirm our collective commitment to advancing oral health through education, research, and service.
Thank you for your continued dedication to excellence and for helping our school remain a leader in dental and oral health education.
Thank you,
Mert N.Aksu, D.D.S., J.D., MHSA, Cert., D.P.H
Professor and Dean
Shaping Smiles and Futures: A Q&A With the Dental Hygiene Program Director
In recognition of Dental Hygiene Month this October, we connected with Sally Amar, R.D.H., M.S., program director of Dental Hygiene at University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry, to explore the evolving landscape of dental hygiene education. Amar shared insights into the program’s commitment to excellence, its impact on student development and the vital role dental hygienists play in promoting oral health within the community.
Competence + Compassion
Q: How do you ensure students not only master technical skills but also embody compassion and service in their clinical work?
A: I always remind students that patients aren’t just appointments—they’re people who may be anxious, in pain, or simply in need of someone to listen. Technical skills develop with time and practice, but compassion has to be intentional. The faculty and I try to model that every day in clinic by showing patience, empathy and respect, so students see how much impact genuine care can have on someone’s experience.
Preparing for a Changing Workforce
Q: With workforce pressures such as provider shortages and new care models, how do you keep students ready to meet evolving community needs?
A: The dental world looks very different today than it did even a few years ago and I want our students to feel confident stepping into that change. We focus on critical thinking and adaptability—skills that go beyond any textbook. We also try to connect classroom concepts to real-life issues like access to care, emerging technologies and interprofessional teamwork so students see how their role fits into the bigger picture of healthcare.
Community Impact
Q: How do you guide students to take active roles in outreach, especially with underserved populations?
A: Community outreach is honestly one of my favorite parts of the program. When students go out to serve—whether it’s in schools, senior centers or community clinics—they start to realize just how far their impact can reach. I love watching them gain that sense of purpose, especially when working with underserved populations. It’s a reminder that what we do really does make a difference in People’s lives.
Lifelong Learning & Leadership
Q: How important isadvancing education for meeting long-term professional and system-level needs?
A: The best hygienists are always learning. The field keeps changing, and continued education helps us grow, stay current and expand what we can offer our patients. We encourage students to think about leadership—not just as titles, but as the ability to inspire others, advocate for patients and raise the standards of care in our profession.
Hope for the Future
Q: What gives you hope for the future of dental hygiene and what role will Detroit Mercy graduates play in leading that future?
A: What gives me hope is seeing how passionate and driven our students are. They’re entering the field ready to make a difference, not just in their patients’ lives but in the profession as a whole. Even with challegens like burnout or workforce shortages, I believe Detroit Mercy graduates will lead with compassion, integrity, and a genuine commitment to improving oral health for everyone.
Sally Ammar, R.D.H., M.S.
Director, Dental Hygiene Program
From Insights to Action: Student Tips for a Healthy Smile
Following our conversation with Sally Amar, R.D.H., M.S., Program Director of Dental Hygiene, our second-year dental hygiene students are stepping in to share their favorite oral health tips. Discover practical advice from the next generation of dental professionals on keeping teeth and gums healthy—straight from those training to shape smiles and promote wellness in our community.
“I always like to explain that the back side of your lower front teeth, the part that faces your tongue, tends to build up plaque faster because that’s where a lot of saliva is produced. Most people don’t realize they need to brush that area just as thoroughly as the front.”- Hannah Wood, DH2 Class of 2026
“Brushing your tongue is so so important. So I recommend tongue scrapers! Many forgot that step when doing oral hygiene.” – Danna Sanchez-Perez, DH2 Class of 2026
“Only brush the teeth you want to keep! – Jasmine Bazzi, DH2 Class of 2026
Keep Your Smile Healthy—Schedule a Dental Hygiene Appointment Book a Dental Hygiene Appointment
- Prepare a qualified dental hygienist who will be competent with respect to the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry, Division of Dental Hygiene Competencies for the Dental Hygienist.
- Maintain a contemporary dental hygiene program that reflects relevant and current dental hygiene practice.
- Provide a dynamic interdisciplinary dental and dental hygiene curriculum that integrates biomedical, clinical, and behavioral sciences.
- Maintain admission policies to ensure admission of a qualified and diverse student body.
- Maintain a baccalaureate degree completion program to support and encourage continued formal dental hygiene education.
- Provide quality individualized patient-centered dental hygiene care.
- Participate in collaborative community health promotion in Detroit and Southeastern Michigan communities.
- Serve as a resource of oral health knowledge and education for the health care community.
- Engage in professional association activities.
- Demonstrate leadership in dental hygiene education and research.
- Provide service to the School of Dentistry and the University communities.
Whether you’re considering a career in dental hygiene or looking to take your professional journey to the next level, we invite you to learn more about our Dental Hygiene Program and how Detroit Mercy is shaping the future or oral healthcare.
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Dean Mert N. Aksu advocates for smokeless tobacco-free sports venues in Detroit
Wednesday October 22, 2025
Dean Aksu advocates for oral health and tobacco prevention at The Corner Ballpark.
At University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry, promoting overall health and the health of our community health is central to our mission. Dean Mert N. Aksu joined city officials, public health leaders, and community advocates at The Corner Ballpark to support a powerful initiative: making Detroit’s professional sports venues tobacco-free.
Why it Matters:
Sports venues are more than just entertainment spaces—they influence behavior and set cultural norms, especially for youth. For decades, smokeless tobacco has had a visible presence in professional sports, particularly baseball. Today, discreet nicotine products such as pouches create new risks.
“Tobacco has no place where children and families gather to celebrate sport and community,” said Dean Aksu, emphasizing the role of health professionals in advancing education and awareness around tobacco use.
At Detroit Mercy Dental, students and clinicians witness the effects of tobacco use every day: oral cancers, gum disease, and other preventable health conditions. As both educators and healthcare providers, the School of Dentistry embraces a responsibility to advocate for healthy environments and empower communities to make informed choices.
A Healthier Detroit Starts Here
On October 21, the Detroit City Council voted 7-2 to ban all smokeless tobacco or alternative nicotine products use at professionals sports stadiums, including Comerica Park, Ford Field, and Little Caesars Arena. With Dean Aksu’s leadership, Detroit Mercy Dental proudly supports this citywide effort. By removing tobacco from public sports venues, we are helping protect Detroit’s families and future generations from the harmful effects of nicotine.
Together, we are knocking tobacco out of the park—and building a healthier Detroit for all.
Read more on the Detroit Free Press.
Dean Aksu takes a moment with alumna Mara Shapiro-Daien, R.D.H. ’77, at the community tobacco awareness event.
February is Black History Month, and University of Detroit Mercy will celebrate with a series of enlightening events across all campuses.
The launch and dissemination of these core values come during an exciting time of growth for UDM, highlighted by strong national rankings and new academic programs.
UDM graduates rank in the top 9% of 4,476 colleges and universities nationwide for salary earned over a period of 15 to 40 years during their career.
The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse rankings focus on student outcomes rather than inputs, highlighting the tangible value a school delivers to its students. It evaluates colleges on several key measures, including social mobility and salary impact.
One alumnus from each of the seven schools is selected for the honor from nominations submitted from both inside and outside the University.
Jeanette Andrade ’25 wants to help people. It’s what she envisions doing with her Dental Hygiene degree from Detroit Mercy’s School of Dentistry. But before helping others and finishing her degree, Andrade needed to pause her studies so she could take care of herself.
The 'Opportunity College and University' designation highlights UDM as a model institution for fostering student success and advancing research on effective campus practices.
February is Black History Month, and University of Detroit Mercy will celebrate with a series of enlightening events across all campuses.
This new dental clinic and education program would bring UDM students to Vermont to complete their final years of training – strengthening the dental care provider pipeline and expanding access to much-needed care across the state.
The 2025 Wall Street Journal/College Pulse ranking has put UDM at No. 43 in the nation, nine places higher than it ranked the University last year.
The world welcomed new Titans with more than 1,000 University of Detroit Mercy graduates receiving their diplomas across four Commencement ceremonies May 10-11 on the McNichols Campus.
Meet the Class of '24: Dental grad Maria Latorre Sanchez says “It’s not about what happens to you, it’s about how fast you get up.”
University of Detroit Mercy has recently received more than $2 million in grants to help educate students and their work in the community.