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 <strong>School</strong><strong>of</strong> <strong>Dentistry</strong> is for the support from alumni andfriends. In an intertwined-fashion, our lives areenriched because <strong>of</strong> the infrastructure <strong>of</strong>encouragement cultivated within the <strong>University</strong>.For me, the infrastructure resembles a bicyclerim, or a complex interweaving <strong>of</strong> multiplespokes, which on their own are too delicate, butwhen assembled together in an organizedfashion, support the weight <strong>of</strong> the pr<strong>of</strong>ession.Our lives are enrichedbecause <strong>of</strong> the infrastructure<strong>of</strong> encouragement cultivatedwithin the <strong>University</strong>.As implied in the analogy above, when workingtogether, we are at our strongest. With thecentralized hub acting as the <strong>School</strong>, alumni andfriends continue to be connected to the mission<strong>of</strong> the administration and help support thevalues <strong>of</strong> the <strong>University</strong>.As spokes, or graduates <strong>of</strong> the <strong>School</strong>, you arenever far from that centralized hub. A strongalma mater brings value long after graduation.As a <strong>School</strong>, 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 <strong>of</strong> our programs and educationalexperiences.In this edition <strong>of</strong> the Leading Edge, the <strong>UDM</strong>outreach efforts will showcase clinicalexperiences that allow for personal andpr<strong>of</strong>essional development. The development <strong>of</strong>humanistic pr<strong>of</strong>essionals is what distinguishes<strong>UDM</strong> as a dental school with a purpose.The community-based clinics have evolved overthe years. Whether you remember the linesoutside <strong>of</strong> the Jefferson Avenue clinic, or theopening <strong>of</strong> the <strong>University</strong> Health Center (UHC),public health has been at the heart <strong>of</strong> the<strong>School</strong>’s mission. For today’s graduates, it’s theopportunity to serve the surroundingneighborhoods by rotating through communityclinics. The exposure is an important part <strong>of</strong> theprocess and creates a sense <strong>of</strong> self-awareness.In addition to the educational rotations, the<strong>School</strong> makes an effort to expand ourcommunity footprint through various organizedactivities. We look to our friends and supportersto be a part <strong>of</strong> 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 <strong>of</strong> pride that I have for our expertfaculty, dedicated staff, and engaged students.Please congratulate yourselves for being part <strong>of</strong>a <strong>School</strong> that is here today, and is planning fortomorrow because <strong>of</strong> your involvement.The development <strong>of</strong>humanistic pr<strong>of</strong>essionals iswhat distinguishes <strong>UDM</strong> 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, <strong>School</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Dentistry</strong>2 LEADING EDGE SUMMER 2013
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