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.
**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!
ASDA and AEGD collaborate for visit to Downtown Detroit Boxing Gym
Every year, Detroit Mercy ASDA and AEGD residents collaborate to provide custom mouthguards to athletes at the Downtown Detroit Boxing Gym. ASDA members screen young athletes and assist the AEGD residents in taking impressions. The AEGD residents then make and deliver the mouthguards. This initiative, overseen by Clinical Associate Professor and Division Director of Practice Essentials and Interprofessional Education Melanie Mayberry, is part of the gym’s mission to empower youth through academic enrichment and physical wellness programs and reinforces the University’s commitment to community engagement and oral health. As advocates for preventative care, we understand the significant role of mouthguards in protecting young boxers from dental injuries, thereby fostering confidence and resilience in these budding athletes.
Bonior selected as recipient of the MDA Dental Faculty Award
Clinical Associate Professor Gary Bonior has been selected by the Michigan Dental Association (MD) Board of Trustees as the recipient of the 2024 Dental Faculty Award. The purpose of the award is to give public recognition to two dentist members actively involved in the education of dental or graduate dental students from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry and the University of Michigan School of Dentistry who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to organized dentistry. The award will be presented at the MDA House of Delegates meeting on Thursday, April 18, 2024
In addition to her upcoming publication, Van Hook received the 2023 Allied Dental Educator of the Year award from the Michigan Dental Association.
Byrappagari awarded two grants
Associate Professor and Director of Dental Public Health and Outreach Divesh Byrappagari has recently been awarded two grants to support the Titans for Teeth Mobile Program. The first grant of $220,000 is from Kenvue (JNTL Consumer Health Division), and the second grant of $10,000 is from DentaQuest for the 2023-24 fiscal year. These funds will be used to provide dental care through the Titans for Teeth Mobile Clinic and the Macomb Oral Health Program.
Haddow selected as recipient of the MDA Public Service Award
Clinical Associate Professor Michael Haddow has been selected by the Michigan Dental Association Board of Trustees as the recipient of the 2024 Public Service Award. This award recognizes exceptional current contributions to the public and the dental profession in the field of dental health and related activities. The award will be presented at the MDA House of Delegates meeting on Thursday, April 18, 2024.
In addition to the MDA award, Haddow was elected to the Christian Dental Society Advisory Council while at the Annual ADA Meeting in Orlando, Florida.
Neely inducted as a Fellow of the ACD
Clinical Assistant Professor M. Lynne Morgan was reappointed to the Michigan Board of Dentistry. Her new term will extend until June 2027, allowing her to continue the vital work in shaping the future of dental care in our state. Congratulations, Prof. Morgan, on this well-deserved recognition! Your dedication to your profession is truly inspiring. Here’s to another successful term, Prof. Morgan!
**These stories are mission and identity moments that highlight activities that reflect our Jesuit and Mercy values.