Download pdf - UDM School of Dentistry - University of Detroit Mercy

DEAN’S LETTERWheels in MotionMert N. Aksu, DeanLike most functioning mechanisms, theindividual components support the greaterstructure. As I reflect back on the last fiveyears as Dean, I realize how thankful the Schoolof Dentistry is for the support from alumni andfriends. In an intertwined-fashion, our lives areenriched because of the infrastructure ofencouragement cultivated within the University.For me, the infrastructure resembles a bicyclerim, or a complex interweaving of multiplespokes, which on their own are too delicate, butwhen assembled together in an organizedfashion, support the weight of the profession.Our lives are enrichedbecause of the infrastructureof encouragement cultivatedwithin the University.As implied in the analogy above, when workingtogether, we are at our strongest. With thecentralized hub acting as the School, alumni andfriends continue to be connected to the missionof the administration and help support thevalues of the University.As spokes, or graduates of the School, you arenever far from that centralized hub. A strongalma mater brings value long after graduation.As a School, we have an unwaveringcommitment to providing our students apractical, relevant, and evidence-basededucation. This charge, in addition to the focuson clinically contemporary practices, frames theessence of our programs and educationalexperiences.In this edition of the Leading Edge, the UDMoutreach efforts will showcase clinicalexperiences that allow for personal andprofessional development. The development ofhumanistic professionals is what distinguishesUDM as a dental school with a purpose.The community-based clinics have evolved overthe years. Whether you remember the linesoutside of the Jefferson Avenue clinic, or theopening of the University Health Center (UHC),public health has been at the heart of theSchool’s mission. For today’s graduates, it’s theopportunity to serve the surroundingneighborhoods by rotating through communityclinics. The exposure is an important part of theprocess and creates a sense of self-awareness.In addition to the educational rotations, theSchool makes an effort to expand ourcommunity footprint through various organizedactivities. We look to our friends and supportersto be a part of the movement, and to help ussustain momentum in providing these positiveprograms to the students. Ultimately, we wantour students to have the technical ability todeliver clinical results, the analytical ability tounderstand the issues, and the compassion tomake a difference.In looking back, I hope that you can share thesame sense of pride that I have for our expertfaculty, dedicated staff, and engaged students.Please congratulate yourselves for being part ofa School that is here today, and is planning fortomorrow because of your involvement.The development ofhumanistic professionals iswhat distinguishes UDM as adental school with a purpose.As stated earlier, it is the individual componentsthat make up the greater structure.Thank you for your friendship and supportin this great ride.Mert N. Aksu, DDS, JD, MHSADean, School of Dentistry2 LEADING EDGE SUMMER 2013