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 Five 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!
Celebrating the Class of 2026
Congratulations to all graduates of the Class of 2026 on reaching this significant milestone. Through dedication, perseverance and a commitment to excellence, you have completed your academic and clinical training and are prepared to enter the profession as skilled and compassionate oral health professionals.
As you move forward, you join a proud community of alumni dedicated to advancing patient care, service and lifelong learning.
Mayberry elected President of the Michigan Dental Association**
Melanie E. Mayberry, D.D.S., M.S.-HCM, a fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, clinical professor and division director of practice essentials and interprofessional education, has been installed as president of the Michigan Dental Association.
A respected leader in dental education and organized dentistry, Mayberry is recognized for her commitment to advancing oral health, fostering professional collaboration and mentoring the next generation of dental professionals.
Her installation as MDA president marks a distinguished milestone in a career defined by leadership, service and dedication to the profession.
Baghaie’s Research Featured in Journal of Endodontics**
Farzad Baghaie, a fourth-year dental student; Farhad Kevin Baghaie, D.D.S. ’22; and Nahid Kashani, D.D.S., M.S.D., F.A.G.D., clinical associate professor and endodontics resident, recently published the article “Long-Term Outcomes of Predoctoral Root Canal Therapy: Retreatment and Tooth Loss in a 17-Year Institutional Cohort” in the Journal of Endodontics, widely regarded as a leading journal in the field. The article will also be featured in the Journal of Endodontics Magazine, Volume 52, Issue 7.
The study evaluated the long-term outcomes of root canal therapy performed in a predoctoral dental program over a 17-year period, contributing meaningful data on treatment success, retreatment rates and tooth survival. The project highlights the importance of evidence-based dentistry and the quality of care provided within academic dental institutions.
Publishing in the Journal of Endodontics is a significant accomplishment, and achieving first-author publication as a dental student is especially noteworthy. The significance of this work has also led to multiple invitations to present nationally, including at The Ohio State University, the Michigan Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry Annual Conference in Las Vegas, and the Delta Sigma Delta 142nd Annual Meeting in Austin, Texas.
This outstanding achievement reflects a strong commitment to advancing endodontic science and exemplifies excellence in academic dentistry.
Patel Appointed to Michigan Board of Dentistry**
Clinical Assistant Professor, Assistant Dean for Clinic Operations and Division Director for the Division of Clinical Dentistry,
Ashish Patel, D.D.S. ’17
Ashish Patel, D.D.S. ’17;, clinical assistant professor, assistant dean for clinic operations and division director of the Division of Clinical Dentistry, has been appointed to the Michigan Board of Dentistry. His term begins July 1, 2026. Patel will bring a wealth of clinical expertise, operational leadership and academic experience to this important statewide role.
His appointment to the Michigan Board of Dentistry is a well-deserved recognition of his dedication to serving the profession and the public. As a member of the board, Patel will help guide policies and standards that support the future of dentistry and oral health care across Michigan.
We congratulate Patel on this outstanding achievement and look forward to the positive impact his leadership and expertise will continue to have on the dental profession and the communities it serves.
Honoring Top Honors at the MDA Poster Competition**
Congratulations to our research team for placing first and second at the Michigan Dental Association Annual Session Poster Session. First place went to Yulia Song, DS3, and Tarik Shounia, D.D.S. ’14, from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry, for their outstanding research presentation titled “Prevalence of Waterpipe Tobacco Smoking and Its Impact on General and Oral Health Among High School and College Students.”
Second place was awarded to the Advanced Education in General Dentistry team at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry for its research presentation titled “Understanding Patient Knowledge of Dental Caries: A Qualitative Interview Study.”
Taylor Inducted as Fellow of the Pierre Fauchard Academy**
Clinical Associate Professor and clinic lead, Charles Taylor, D.D.S.
Charles Taylor, D.D.S., clinical associate professor and clinic lead, has been inducted as a fellow of the Pierre Fauchard Academy. The honor was recognized during the Michigan Dental Association Annual Session in Grand Rapids. The Pierre Fauchard Academy is an international dental honor society that recognizes dentists for outstanding contributions to the advancement of the art and science of dentistry.
Taylor’s induction reflects his enduring commitment to excellence and leadership in the dental profession.
Van Dam Receives MDA Dental Faculty Award**
Christina Van Dam, D.D.S. ’11, M.S., Program Director, Advanced Education in General Dentistry
Christina Van Dam, D.D.S. ’11, M.S., program director of Advanced Education in General Dentistry, has received the Dental Faculty Award in recognition of her excellence in teaching, mentorship and commitment to student success. The award, presented in partnership with the Michigan Dental Association, highlights outstanding contributions to dental education and the profession. Known for her supportive and rigorous approach to dental education, Van Dam has made a lasting impact on her students and colleagues, reflecting the university’s Jesuit and Mercy values of service, compassion and professional excellence.
Haddow Named OKU Inductee**
Clinical Associate Professor, Michael Haddow, D.D.S.
Michael Haddow, D.D.S., clinical associate professor, has been inducted into Omicron Kappa Upsilon, the national dental honor society that celebrates academic excellence, character and professionalism in dentistry. Haddow’s induction places him among a distinguished group of leaders whose impact extends across the dental profession.
This recognition highlights Haddow’s distinguished contributions and enduring commitment to excellence in dentistry.
Juday Named OKU Inductee**
Clinical Assistant Professor, Bradley Juday, D.D.S. ’14
Bradley Juday, D.D.S. ’14, clinical assistant professor, has been inducted into Omicron Kappa Upsilon, the national dental honor society that celebrates academic excellence, character and professionalism in dentistry. The honor places Juday among an esteemed group of individuals whose leadership has made a lasting impact on the profession.
This recognition highlights Juday’s distinguished contributions and enduring commitment to excellence in dentistry.
**These stories are mission and identity moments that highlight activities that reflect our Jesuit and Mercy values.