Dean’s High Six – Fall 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 recognized with Excellence in Peer Review Award Dental Research Conference**

Anthony L. Neely, D.D.S, M.Dent.Sc., Ph.D.

Associate Professor and Program Director of Graduate Periodontics Anthony L. Neely, D.D.S, M.Dent.Sc.,Ph.D., was honored as the recipient of the Excellence in Peer Review Award, presented by the Journal of Periodontology, 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.