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 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.