Passions beyond the dental chair - UDM School of Dentistry

LEADING EDGEFALL/WINTER 2011 TABLE OF CONTENTSCONTACT USSCHOOL OF DENTISTRYAntoine M. Garibaldi, PhDUniversity PresidentMert N. Aksu, DDS, JD, MHSADeanaksumn@udmercy.eduRobert M. Trombly, DDS, JD,Associate Dean, Academic Administrationtromblrm@udmercy.eduMaureen E. Lennox, MBADirector, Business and Financelennoxml@udmercy.eduSCHOOL OF DENTISTRYCONTACT NUMBERSKathi R. Shepherd, RDH, MS,Director, Educational Developmentand Outcomes Assessmentshephekr@udmercy.eduMegan F. Jennings, JD,Director, Student Affairsjenninmf@udmercy.eduRichard F. Kelley, BA, MBA,Executive Director, Advancement,Alumni Relations and DentalContinuing Educationkelleyrf@udmercy.eduDean’s Office............................................................. 313-494-6620Dana Hart, MA, Assistant to the Deanhartda@udmercy.edu............................................... 313-494-6621Dental Hygiene ProgramJudy Kwapis-Jaeger, RDH, MA, RDA, Directorkwajaeja@udmercy.edu............................................ 313-494-6692Continuing Education & Alumni RelationsKimberly A. Mercier-Perry, RDH, MHSA, Directormercieka@udmercy.edu........................................... 313-494-6694Dean’s Message..................................................2UDM Dental Research News ............................4Events at UDM Dental (Past and Upcoming)....6Feature Article: Reaching Outto a Vulnerable Population..............................10Student News.................................................... 14Faculty News..................................................... 16Letter to Faculty................................................ 18Feature Article: Off Duty................................20UDM School of DentistryStrategic Plan 2011-2015................................24Outreach...........................................................28Q & A..............................................................30Feature Article: The Value of the Brand..........32My Favorite Letter........................................... 36Continuing Education (Upcoming Classes)......38Alumni Board President’s Letter.....................40DevelopmentRichard F. Kelley, BA, MBA, Executive Directorkelleyrf@udmercy.edu.............................................. 313-494-6624Kelly Brault, BA, Director of Developmentbraultkn@udmercy.edu............................................ 313-494-6927Financial AidCamellia Taylor, BBAtaylorca2@udmercy.edu .......................................... 313-494-6617Registrar, Dental SchoolDiana Squires, MBA, Registrarsquired1@udmercy.edu ........................................... 313-494-6616University (transcript requests)................................ 313-993-3313Student AdmissionsDental..................................................................... 313-494-6650Dental Hygiene........................................................ 313-494-6625Margaret E. Coleman, RDH, BS, Directorcolemame@udmercy.edu.......................................... 313-494-6696Pamela V. Gibes, RDH, BS, Degree Completion Coordinatorgibespv@udmercy.edu.............................................. 313-494-6628DEPARTMENTSBiomedical Sciences....313-494-6630Dental Hygiene..........313-494-6625Diagnostic Sciences....313-494-6630Endodontics...............313-494-6646Oral and MaxillofacialSurgery.....................313-494-6642Orthodontics..............313-494-6606Patient Management..313-494-6629Pediatric Dentistry......313-494-6790Periodontology...........313-494-6660Restorative Dentistry..313-494-6780Patient Appointments(General)..................313-494-6700CLINICGraduate EndodonticsClinic........................313-494-6729Graduate OrthodonticsClinic........................313-494-6731Graduate PeriodonticsClinic........................313-494-6647Pediatric DentistryClinic........................313-494-6701AEGD Clinic..............313-494-6647Faculty Practice..........313-494-6730Clinic AdministrationOffice.......................313-494-6750WWW.DENTAL.UDMERCY.EDU 1

UDMSD Researchers Study Gingival Crevicular FluidMicrobial plaque accumulationis thought to be the primarycontributory factor toperiodontal disease. However, there isevidence from published reports thatperiodontal disease may also beinitiated by iatrogenic trauma fromdental restorations. Researchers atUDM School of Dentistry in theDepartments of Periodontology andDental Hygiene and Biomedical andDiagnostic Sciences have undertaken aproject to study how definitive fullcoverage restorations and crownmargins may affect periodontal health.This research, lead by second yearperiodontics resident Dr. Joe Chang,aims to analyze levels of interleukins(proteins involved in inflammation andinfection) in gingival crevicular fluid.“This multi-discipline researchinvolving periodontology, immunology,and prosthodontics allows me toinvestigate the concentration ofinterleukins in gingival crevicular fluidrelative to crown margin placement,”Chang said. “We believe thatsubgingival crown margins maypotentially inhibit cleansibility bypatients and affect biological width.Therefore, these studies are comparingsupragingival, equagingival, andsubgingival crown margins inperiodontal disease patients.”Interleukin-8 was selected for initialstudy because it is a documented proinflammatorymediator. Preliminaryresearch results show that interleukinconcentration in gingival crevicularfluid and gingival inflammation may bemore dependent on general periodontalhealth as opposed to the presence ofdefinitive full coverage restorations oron crown margin discrepancies.Ongoing studies are examining otherpro-inflammatory proteins, and areassessing the effects of periodontaldisease risk factors such as smoking,diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.Chang stated, “Our pilot study so farhas been successful. At the 2011 annualsession of the American Association forDental Research, our posterpresentation was well-received, andworld renowned researchers haveoffered to expand our research to amulti-center study. I am grateful to bea part of a UDM School of Dentistryresearch team and to receive support forthis project.” In addition to Dr. Chang,Dr. Leyvee Cabanilla-Jacobs(Associate Professor, Periodontologyand Dental Hygiene) and Dr. MichelleWheater (Director of Research,Associate Professor, Biomedical andDiagnostic Sciences) are involved in thisresearch study.WWW.DENTAL.UDMERCY.EDU 5

PAST EVENTSApril 2011Student/Alumni Dinner DanceApproximately 270 students, alumni, faculty and staff got together at theWestin Book Cadillac in Detroit for an evening of food, dancing and fun!The students presented awards to people who had helped make a differencein their educational lives.Michigan Dental Association (MDA) Annual Session –Alumni ReceptionThe Amway Grand Hotel in Grand Rapids, Michigan was the setting forthis year’s MDA Annual Session. On Friday of Session weekend, TheUniversity of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry held our annual AlumniReception, hosted by Dr. Mert Aksu, Dean of the School of Dentistry.May 2011School of Dentistry Alumni DayUDMSD alumni gathered at the Sheraton Novi Hotel in Novi, Michigan fora day of continuing education and old friends. It was a chance to catch upwith former classmates while learning about the great new things that theSchool of Dentistry offers.Commencement CeremonyThe University of Detroit Mercy 78th Annual Commencement Ceremonytook place at Calihan Hall on the McNichols campus in Detroit. FormerDetroit Lion and Pro Football Hall of Famer Lem Barney was the keynotespeaker for the School of Dentistry.From top:Jasmin Kakish, Frances Clor, Brittany Cook, MargeBuehner, Jane Halaris, Yuki Suzuki and PaigeCrawford at the Student/Alumni Dinner DanceRick Kelley, Dr. Steven Reynolds and KarenReynolds enjoy the Student/Alumni Dinner Danceat the Westin Book CadillacStacey Baker Maul, Joeleann Bensinger, ChristinaMcCracken and Amanda Wiens present theirresearch at Alumni DayJuly 2011National Dental Association (NDA) Annual SessionUDMSD faculty, staff and alumni traveled to Baltimore, Maryland toattend the NDA Annual Session. On Saturday of Session weekend,Dr. Mert Aksu, Dean, hosted an evening reception at the BaltimoreMarriott Waterfront Hotel.Hour Detroit ‘Top Dentists’ ReceptionUDMSD was proud to be well represented at Hour Detroit magazine’s ‘TopDentists’ event at the Detroit Golf Club. Congratulations to the 276 UDMSchool of Dentistry graduates who were selected by their professionalcolleagues for inclusion on this prestigious list!6 LEADING EDGE WINTER 2011

Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) Annual Session –Alumni ReceptionSan Diego, California was the host city for the 59th Annual AGD Session,with world-renowned speakers, lecture and participation courses andquality exhibitors. UDMSD’s Alumni Reception was held in the suite ofDr. Fares Elias, our new Alumni Board President and past-President ofthe AGD.August 2011White Coat CeremonyIncoming dental and dental hygiene students received their very first labcoats in this traditional ceremony, held this year at the Fillmore Detroit.The ceremony was followed by a reception at the UDM School of Dentistry,where the new students, friends and families were invited to tour the School.September 2011American Student Dental Association (ASDA) –Golf TournamentLocal practicing dentists and current UDM dental students competedtogether in the ASDA UDM Chapter’s annual tournament at the FieldstoneGolf Club of Auburn Hills. The club is rated by the Detroit News as one ofthe top three courses in Southeast Michigan.October 2011American Dental Association (ADA) Annual Session –Alumni ReceptionGlittering Las Vegas, Nevada was the backdrop for this year’s ADA AnnualSession, bringing together leaders in dental practice, research, academicsand industry to present continuing education classes over four days. TheUDMSD Alumni Reception was held on Tuesday of Session week at theMGM Grand Hotel.President’s ReceptionA reception was held to welcome Dr. Antoine Garibaldi, who has beenappointed to the position of President of University of Detroit Mercy.Thanks to the generous support of Reception Committee Chair Dr.Bernard Johnson ’76, many members of the Detroit community includingformer Mayor Dennis Archer and City Council members James Tate andJoAnn Watson, convened at the Detroit Golf Club to celebrate.From top:Class of 2011 UDMSD graduates prepare for theirCommencement CeremonyUDMSD’s incoming class of dental and dentalhygiene students receive their first lab coatsThe Honorable Dennis Archer, Judge Trudy Archer,Dr. Mert Aksu, Dr. Antoine Garibaldi and CarolGaribaldi celebrate Dr. Garibaldi’s appointment asPresident of University of Detroit MercyWWW.DENTAL.UDMERCY.EDU 7

FEATURE ARTICLEreaching out to aVulnerablePopulationNursing Home Outreach Programprovides dental care formedically compromisedand aging community membersby Melinda ClynesDuane, a Nursing Home Outreach patient, was always sunny and upbeat,despite a life of hardship. At age 63, he had been living in nursing homes for 32 years aftera gunshot wound left him with a spinal cord injury. Because of his lack of mobility, he developed poorcirculation with blood clotting problems in his legs. He suffered pulmonary embolism and a stroke.Yet Duane was always gracious and thankful for the dental treatment he received.10 LEADING EDGE WINTER 2011

The UDM School of DentistryNursing Home Outreach Programprovides DH2 and DS4 studentswith an opportunity to serve aging andvulnerable adults, like Duane, atnursing homes in metro Detroit.Students work with residents underless-than-ideal conditions, but theprogram gives them hands-onexperience treating medically fragilepatients in a long-term careenvironment while functioning as anintegral member of a health care team.Elderly residents may have dementiaand struggle to communicate, beconfined to a wheelchair or bed, orhave a chronic condition, such asdiabetes, Parkinson’s disease,hypertension, or cancer. Youngernursing home residents have conditionslike MS, developmental disabilities, orsecondary psychological conditions dueto drug abuse. Some, like Duane, havesurvived trauma, such as gunshotwounds, car accidents, or complicationsof childbirth, and are disabled for life.The Sociology of CaringAdjunct Associate Professor Victor Yee,DDS ’74, founder and co-director ofNursing Home Outreach, believes thatstudents gain profoundly from workingin the nursing homes. They not onlylearn to determine the appropriate careneeded for medically compromisedindividuals and provide that care underdifficult conditions, but the programalso exposes students to the sociologyof care giving.“It gets them thinking aboutindependent living, assisted living, andlong-term care, and how fuzzy thedemarcation lines are drawn out,” saysYee. “And it provides a look at end-oflifeissues, while the students are closerUDMSD student Rafal Alnumairi preps a patient at Imperial Nursing Homefor a much needed clean and scaleto the beginning, realizing they will beaffected personally.”In Duane’s case, the students met himand began cleaning his teeth, whichwere literally covered with calculus, butnot loose. Removing the calculus tookmany visits, but Duane nevercomplained. In fact, he thankedeveryone who treated him, despite hisdiscomfort. Duane’s teeth were verytightly retained; he had a tooth lyingcompletely horizontal, not in the jaw,but held by the gingiva.According to DH Adjunct InstructorMarge Buehner, RDH ’01, who codirectsthe program, treating patientslike Duane is mutually beneficial topatient and student, providingimportant dental care to the patientand an invaluable experience tostudents.“Not all dental hygiene programs havethe opportunity to treat nursing homepatients, which gives us the ability todeliver well-rounded and experiencedhygienists,” notes Buehner. “Ourstudents have delivered care to healthyindividuals, and because of our nursinghome rotation, to some very, very illones. Our students are not afraid totreat medically compromised patientsthat may walk into their privatepractice clinic.”continued on next pageWWW.DENTAL.UDMERCY.EDU 11

MDA and ASDA Chapters Unite to Advocatefor the Profession During 2011 Lobby DayThe importance of protecting dentistry’s scope of practice and increasingfunding for programs that provide access to dental treatment forMichigan’s underserved populations were the messages that nearly 20dental students representing both the University of Michigan and University ofDetroit Mercy schools of dentistry delivered to a host of lawmakers during the2011 MDA/ASDA Lobby Day on September 28.“Lobby Day provided students with the opportunity to advocate for theirprofession and patients, not to mention the chance to interact directly with theelected officials that are responsible for guiding Michigan’s future,” said BillSullivan, MDA director of legislative and insurance affairs. “This was a trulyunique opportunity that provided a first-hand look at the legislative process,including the inner workings of our state’s Capitol. They represented the MDAand their universities with pride and class.”The first-of-its-kind event connected tomorrow’s practitioners to today’slawmakers during a day filled with face-to-face meetings, legislative briefings andrubbing elbows with the Capitol’s elite. Students had the opportunity to meetprivately with Senate Majority Leader, Randy Richardville (R-Monroe), andSpeaker of the House, Jase Bolger (R-Marshall). In addition, they lobbied directlyto nearly 10 lawmakers in the halls outside of the Senate and House chambers –just like a real lobbyist! Also, the students were applauded by the Senate andHouse during their sessions, giving them the opportunity to stand and berecognized for their efforts and contributions to Michigan.The day was capped off with a tour of the Capitol, plenty of photo opportunities,and a debriefing of the day’s events.Opposite page top to bottom:Lisa Baier, David Shorez, and Kevin Solt workon Honduran patients with ultrasonicsThe secret behind the success of the CDA piesale fundraiser: fabulous organizers Mary andGabe HoldwickGabe Holdwick and Dr. Debbie DeKay withtheir Honduran special needs patientThis page clockwise:Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville(R-Monroe), with students from UDM andUofM during Lobby Day in LansingStudents lobbyists Michael J. Vilag,LaTonya Waller, Bret Waligora, Erin DeWitt,Punit Shah and Kathleen Pollock expressedtheir views to lawmakers in the halls of theState SenateUDM and UofM students with SenateMajority Leader Randy Richardville(R-Monroe)If you’re interested in getting involved with ASDA’s or the MDA’s legislativeactivities, contact an ASDA representative. Decisions will be made with or withoutus at the table, and we want our voice to be heard. Get involved today!WWW.DENTAL.UDMERCY.EDU 15

LETTER TO FACULTYFrom the Director of Research:Improving the quality and quantity of research AT UDMIn an attempt to keep our alumni up to date about the goings on at the School of Dentistry, we arepublishing a letter that was recently sent to our faculty, as we continue to ramp up our efforts in thearea of dental research.Michelle A. WheaterDirector of ResearchSince our move to theCorktown Campus in 2008,we have made great strides inimproving the quality and quantityof research and scholarly activity.The Administration has beenextremely supportive of researchinitiatives, as evidenced by: 1) anincrease in the research budget of 560% over 2006 levels, 2)an increase in the number of students involved in the StudentResearch Program from 3 (2006) to 30 (2011-2012), and 3)the establishment of two competitive internal grantprograms, the SOD Faculty Grant Program and the SOD-McNichols Collaborative Grant Program. Within the pastthree years 12 internal faculty grants totaling $146,400 havebeen awarded. Our students have presented their work atnational and international meetings, have given oralpresentations at the AADR, have received competitiveAADR travel awards and competitive research fellowships,and have published in peer-reviewed dental journals. Facultyhave also presented at AADR/IADR and have publishedtheir work.The laboratory in Room 2060 is equipped for manybiomedical research approaches, and there are ten projectsthat will be ongoing starting with the new fiscal year in July.We also have laboratories dedicated to dental materials andmicrobiology research. We have a patient pool whichfacilitates clinical research that can be both live patientbasedand records-based. Currently we have 8 ongoing orsoon to be initiated projects involving UDMSD patients.Given this evidence of proven administrative support,continual infrastructure improvements, and student andfaculty achievement in the three years since our move toCorktown, I propose that it is now time we put aside thehistorical notion that research/scholarly activity cannot bedone at UDM School of Dentistry. An academic institutionis, by definition, dedicated to education and research/scholarly activity. Therefore, I challenge you to increase thenational reputation of the UDM School of Dentistry as anacademic institution that excels in education and research/scholarly activity. We increase our national researchreputation by increasing the number of hypothesis-drivenstudies that are published, by increasing our participation atdental research meetings, and by increasing the amount ofexternal funding awarded.While “research” may bring to mind expensive, laborious,long-term bench-top experiments or clinical trials, there aremany areas of research/scholarly activity that are vital todental education and public oral health that we all canundertake. The Winter 2011 issue of Global Health Nexus, apublication of the New York University College of Dentistry,http://www.nyu.edu/dental/nexus/issues/winter2011/517contained an excellent article with suggested areas ofresearch/scholarly activity that I am listing here:Educational researchBehavioral researchInterprofessional education researchWorkforce researchFaculty development researchCost of dental education researchEpidemiological and population-based researchWomen’s health researchGlobal health researchWhen looking at this list, it should come to mindimmediately that we have faculty who are already wellversedif not experts in these areas. Many research projectsrelated to these topics could be accomplished via surveys,analysis of literature, or analysis of existing programs. Thistype of research is not prohibitively costly, can beaccomplished within a relatively short time frame, and willresult in publishable data. Get inspired by this list!With accreditation looming on the horizon, I will remindyou that CODA Standard 6.2 states that: “The dental school18 LEADING EDGE WINTER 2011

On a warm summer eveningin the rural stretcheswest of Monroe, Michigan,Dr. William Demray starts up his 1959Piper Comanche aircraft.As is the case with all his flights, he has amission in mind: this time, to circle the newUDM Dental School to capture an aerialphotograph of campus.Demray has been flying since 1980, and heconsiders it an extension of his work. “Flying,like dentistry, is very enjoyable, and also veryserious. You can enjoy it and relax, but youalso must be focused and follow proceduresin order to do it well and safely.”Both hobby and profession need mentalacuity and use the mechanical side of hisbrain. “Everything I learned about dentistry,I learned from my airplane mechanic:awareness, discipline, tying individualcomponents together to function better as awhole, the seriousness of it all.”As much as aviation and dentistry are similar,Demray says that flying is more expansive.He admires Charles Lindbergh’s words thatdescribe the attributes of flying: science,freedom, beauty and adventure.“It’s all the things I love rolled into one,” saysDemray. “It’s demanding and precise, butrelaxing. I love floating above the landscapeand seeing things that will only be seen thatway once. Every flight is different and new.”Demray believes that taking pleasure in hiswork, hunkering down and successfullysolving patient problems, allows him toexplore other avocations. While his interestsDr. William Demray DDS ‘75 with his Director of Patient Relations,Denise Jenkinsare plentiful — aviation, photography, restoring old buildings and cars —many of them tie back to his office, his patients and dentistry. He’srevamped old cars to carry funny characters that relay dental caremessages to children at local parades. He’s restored an 1875 historicalNorthville, Michigan, house into a homey, welcoming dental office. Andhe’s flown patients to sites around the country to receive needed medicaland dental care.With the Piper Comanche approaching the UDM Dental School, Demrayradios air traffic control to alert them. Not tonight, he’s told. TSA ruleswon’t allow unofficial aircraft near Comerica Park during Detroit Tigershome games.Looping back to Monroe, the hot pink sun slips beyond the horizon. Thefirst unsuccessful mission to capture an aerial shot of UDM Dental Schoolhas ended, but Demray is not dismayed. He likes a good challenge, andwith a grin, vows to return to seize the perfect shot.continued on next pageWWW.DENTAL.UDMERCY.EDU 21

Off dutyThis break from work enhances hisoverall well-being and contributes to hispositive attitude and focused attentionfor patient care when he returns to theoffice.Legel admits that he loves everythingabout dentistry. “I like fixing stuff. Ilike being around people. I like talking.Dentistry fits me just fine. I could do itall the time and not do something else.”But at the end of the day, he savors timealone fixing the cars he loves.Dr. Steve Legel DDS ’81 behind the wheel of his 1957 Ford ThunderbirdPresent and past collide as Dr. Steve Legel cruises aroundsoutheast Michigan’s Downriver communities in his 2008Dodge Challenger, making stops at his storage garage andmuseum, his workshop, and his home garage on this piping hot summer day. Legelalso owns a 1970 Challenger that he pulled out of a pole barn as a “piece of junk”and restored to its former glory. “It’s exactly the car I wanted in high school. Ittook 27 years to find it,” he says.Standing under the chassis of a 1959 ElCamino he is currently restoring, Legeltalks about the value of working onvehicles in the time frame he chooses —a good break from the demands ofkeeping on schedule at the office.“It’s a pressure relief valve from theintensity of what we do as dentists.”Legel says.Before heading back to the office, Legelrounds the corner, stops the car, andlooks around, beaming. Then, he letsthe Challenger rip, taking it from astand still to full speed in a matter ofseconds. Now that’s recharging.The word “enthusiast” hardly reflects the passion and interest that Legel has forhis classic car hobby. He not only restores and shows old cars, but also pensarticles and consults with authors and historians. Add to that his collection of10,000 items of Thunderbird memorabilia — from plastic and tin toys, tomagazine ads, to houseware items, including a paper towel holder shaped like aT-bird fender — and it becomes obvious that Legel is bent on classic cars.Stopping at his workshop, one of the places Legel recharges from his practice, heexplains: “When I’m doing the restoration at the workshop, my attentions arefocused here. They’re not thinking about the office, the running of the business,the challenging relationships, or how to explain something to the patient.”22 LEADING EDGE WINTER 2011

Relaxing with a glass of iced tea, overlooking the greenat the Detroit Golf Club, Dr. Bernard Johnson, nowretired, talks about the advice he would offer dentalschool graduates on finding balance between work and all other aspects of life.“I think it’s important to have something that you hold onto along the way. Youneed a rudder and you need a sail. You need reason, you need wisdom, you needpassion.”For Johnson, his guiding philosophies were influenced by The Prophet, a bookof poetic essays written by Lebanese Christian artist, philosopher and writerKahlil Gibran. His love of this book reflects his general love of reading, whichserves as one of many intellectual outlets for Johnson.He is a fan of Shakespeare, and he devours books on the Civil War, Greekmythology and science. He read the The Odyssey and The Iliad when he was 13.“A man or a woman who can read, can know anything.”Another way Johnson recharges is golfing. A professed workaholic logging 12hour days through the height of hiscareer, he needed an outlet. “One day, Ifelt like I was going to have a heartattack on the spot. Then I started toplay golf.”He ramped up his golf game by defaultafter injuring his knee playing on anover-40 basketball league. Afterlimping around for several months,Johnson chuckles at what he thenrealized: “I gotta get me a new game.”He hasn’t touched a basketball since,but loves golf and the strategy behindit. Always philosophical, Johnson saysthat golf is a great revealer of humannature. From it he learns how peoplehandle success and failure.But golf also works for Johnsonbecause it’s a slower, more reflectivegame, matching his personality.“Unlike football, basketball or tennisthat you have to geek up for, golf is agame you geek down for.”Dr. Bernard Johnson DDS ‘77 at theDetroit Golf ClubAs Johnson contentedly watches theactivity on the green and takes one lastsip of cool tea, he ponders hispersonality and the world. “I’m justkind of a real guy. I’m not a TigerWoods, and I’m not going to pretend tobe one.” Or, in the words of Johnson’searly 20th-century mentor, Gibran,“Say not, ‘I have found the truth,’ butrather, ‘I have found a truth.’”WWW.DENTAL.UDMERCY.EDU 23

UDM DENTAL Strategic Plan 2010-2015Advancing Dental Knowledge, Advancing Dental CareStrategic Plans are developed by many organizations, but all too often they are forgotten on a shelf. But overthe past year, 15 teams of faculty, staff and administrators at the UDM School of Dentistry, are aggressivelyimplementing the School’s 2010-2015 Strategic Plan. With the ultimate goal of preparing our practice-readygraduates to meet the oral health needs of the public throughout the twenty-first century, faculty and staff areengaged and enthusiastic about their role in the implementation of six Strategic Initiatives.Over 60 faculty and staff members arecollaborating on 15 teams to implementthe 16 goals included in the following sixstrategic initiatives:Strategic Initiative I:Establish an Integrated LearnerCentered CurriculumStrategic Initiative II:Apply Appropriate Teaching andLearning Models and TechnologyBuilding upon the foundations of ourleading edge facilities, the UDM Schoolof Dentistry has established newinitiatives in curriculum, educationalmethodology and the application oftechnology to further enhance the richclinical experiences of our students.Recent evidence suggests curriculumintegration utilizing a combination ofapproaches to connect topics ordisciplines provides an enhanced learningenvironment for the student. Thisincludes providing basic biomedical andclinical science content in the context ofreal clinical health problems, rather thanin the context of singular disciplines.Imagine as a first year dental student(DS1) learning clinically relevant conceptsin physiology, biochemistry, anatomy,histology and pharmacology in acoordinated manner as presented in thecontext of a “virtual family of patients”who has been “assigned to you” in theclassroom. Utilizing the UDM clinicalelectronic patient record (EPR), youreview the medical history to determineeach “patient’s” systemic conditions thatmay impact your diagnosis and treatmentin the simulation clinic, while you learnclinical principles and develop clinicalskills. All of this, combined withThe goal of the StrategicPlan is to provide thefoundations for life-longlearning as a successfulclinical practitioner.opportunities to observe and learn withDS2/3/4 students at key times throughoutthe first year in clinic, communityprograms, and dental seminars, providesthe DS1 student with additional clinicalcontext and relevance.Imagine weekly group seminars orrounds where clinical students share theirmultidisciplinary clinical cases whilegaining feedback from fellow students,biomedical and clinical faculty members,as they explore oral-systemic connections,ethical considerations and evidence tosupport treatment decisions. Added tothis are opportunities for our dental anddental hygiene students to collaboratewith other healthcare professionalsproviding coordinated care to patients inour community. These are some of thepossibilities being actively explored andimplemented by strategic planning teamsas they actively review the best practicesacross the county to plan and implementan innovative, integrated science-basedcurriculum that will further enhance theknowledge and clinical skills of the UDMgraduate, providing the foundations forlife-long learning as a successful clinicalpractitioner.Strategic Initiative III:Expand Opportunities forScholarly ActivityResearch and scholarship are essential tothe mission of any dental school. Creatingand disseminating new knowledgethrough high levels of scholarlyachievement contributes to a richereducational experience for UDM studentsand residents and is an essentialcontribution to the dental profession.Strategic Plan Implementation Teams areworking to continue to enhance theresearch infrastructure with the schooland facilitate faculty collaborationswithin the school, with other UDMcolleges and with other institutions.Two internal grant programs have been24 LEADING EDGE WINTER 2011

initiated, one internal to the School, onein collaboration with the McNicholscampus. Over the past three years$146,400 has been awarded to support 12faculty projects, and the number of UDMstudents involved in the Student ResearchProgram has grown substantially to 30students.Strategic Initiative IV:Enhance the Recognitionand Reputation of the Schoolof DentistryOur reputation for excellence in clinicaleducation is well known, but the othermany positive attributes of the school arenot widely appreciated beyond theCorktown Campus and alumni network.You may have already seen results ofinitial action steps to support thisstrategic initiative. Supporting our goal toincrease awareness of the School ofDentistry, the school recently unveiledour new “UDM Dental” logo as seen onthis magazine’s cover, our new slogan“Advancing Dental Knowledge,Advancing Dental Care”, our new webhome page, and the newly designedLeading Edge publication. UDM staffmembers spearheaded the new “ACE”program, recognizing and celebratingstaff members who consistentlydemonstrate commitment to the UDMvalues and standards of service. Progresstowards the continued enhancement ofcontinued on next pageThe School of Dentistry’s 5-year planfocuses on these six Strategic initiatives:Establish an Integrated LearnerCentered CurriculumApply Appropriate Teaching andLearning Models and TechnologyExpand Opportunities forScholarly ActivityEnhance the Recognition andReputation of the School of DentistryStrengthen Relationships withCommunity and Professional PartnersStrengthen Financial Capacity,Resource Base and DiscretionaryRevenue SourcesWWW.DENTAL.UDMERCY.EDU 25

UDM DENTAL Strategic Plan 2010-2015the UDM School of Dentistry’s reputationamong students has included the openingof our new 1.2 million dollar studentactivity and wellness center and providingmore access at our campus to studentservices such as counseling, ministry andmulticultural affairs. Such enhancementsalso help support Strategic Plan actionsteps related to efforts in studentrecruitment to maintain the outstandingacademic quality of the diverse class ofincoming students who collectively willmeet the oral health needs of ourcommunity. Working together with ouralumni network, the Offices ofAdmissions and Multicultural Affairscontinue to expand successful recruitmentefforts in Michigan and across thecountry. Our Strategic Plan also focuseson collaborating with our extensivealumni family to further the mission andsuccess of our School. Working closelywith our Alumni Board to identify howthe School and alumni members canmutually support each other to promotethe profession and make a positive impactin the community as we educate the nextgeneration of oral health professionals.Strategic Initiative V:Strengthen Relationships withCommunity and ProfessionalPartnersThe aim of this initiative is to unite withour community and professional partnersto achieve a common goal that isconsistent with the mission and values ofour School of Dentistry and theUniversity of Detroit Mercy, namely toimprove the health of our citizens. Actionsteps include development ofopportunities for inter-professionalcollaborations with health and socialscience professionals, providing enhancededucational experiences for our studentsand improved access to care for membersin our community. We have developednew clinical community-basedexperiences with partners in the Detroitarea and at more distant sites including aFederally Qualified Health Center inKalamazoo. Partnering with Wayne StateUniversity College of Nursing, School ofMedicine and others, we are providingthe oral health care leadership in the newArea Health Education Center (AHEC)Our aim is to unite withthe community toachieve a common goalconsistent with themission and values ofthe School.program in Michigan. Through thispartnership we are exploring opportunitiesto collaborate with federal, state andlocal agencies and not-for-profit groups inorder to:1. Provide access to care to underservedpopulations in a variety of locationsthroughout the state through servicelearning and clinical education;2. Increase recruitment of underrepresentedminorities and disadvantaged students inMichigan to health professions;3. Improve the knowledge, skillsand retention of health professionals inrural and urban health professionalshortage areas.Strategic Initiative VI:Strengthen Financial Capacity,Resource Base and DiscretionaryRevenue SourcesThe success of the School of Dentistryand the Strategic Plan initiatives aredependent on the ability of the School tosecure and manage adequate resources.It is imperative that we continue toexplore both internal and externalfunding strategies that help us control thedebt burden to our students. Action stepsinclude revenue enhancement throughpublic and private grants, innovativepartnerships, clinic operations, research,and endowments. Current success in thisarea, and the promise of continuedsuccess, provide the ability to maintainstate-of-the-art facilities and equipment,a dedicated and talented faculty and staff,provide quality evidence-based patientcare, and implement innovative programenhancements for our highly qualifiedstudents and residents.The development and implementation ofour new Strategic Plan that is consistentwith the our Mission, Vision and Valuesensures that our proud traditions willcontinue for the years to come. Throughcommitment, cooperation, and synergism,The Strategic Planensures that our proudtraditions will continuefor years to come.the faculty, staff, students and alumni ofthe University of Detroit Mercy School ofDentistry community, will continue thetradition of educating practice-readygraduates who will meet the oral healthneeds of our community. We lookforward to celebrating our School’sachievements with you as we continuewith the successful implementation of ourStrategic Plan.26 LEADING EDGE WINTER 2011

Advancing dental knowledge. Advancing dental care.WWW.DENTAL.UDMERCY.EDU 27

Practice managementQ& AMaking the Most ofYour Dental PracticeDr. Steven Reynolds, Clinical Assistant Professor of Dentistry at UDM, Answers Your Most Challenging QuestionsQ. With limited funds, how doI get the most bang for mymarketing buck?A. It’s interesting to observe my dentalstudents. Most of them think that allthey have to do is advertise and patientswill flock to their office. In myexperience, the best patients don’t comefrom advertising in the print media, onthe air, or on the internet. The samething holds true with marketing throughan emergency service advertiser. All Iever get using these methods is bargainseekers and one time emergency patients;people who have had a toothache formonths and needed to get in to see metoday, never to return again.Q. I’ve been in dentistry for 20 years, howdo I avoid boredom?A. I’ve been in dentistry for 32 years and I sometimes feelthe same way. What I do is find a new area of dentistrythat I don’t know much about, that I’m interested in andthat I feel I can use to expand my practice and makemoney with. In the 80’s and early 90’s it was implants, inthe late 90’s it was perio therapy via intense and organizedmaintenance. Then in the 2000’s it was Cerec© and lasers,both hard and soft tissue, (I still think that there is greatpotential here). You have to work at it. Decide whatinterests you, see if it can be profitable for you, be surethat it is evidence based and take some classes.My best money spent on marketing isspent utilizing internal marketingtechniques. Do you send out statements?Put statement stuffers in them. You canget professionally done ones from yourlabs or suppliers (Lumineers, Cerec©,Emax© crowns), or you can have yourlocal printer make some up for you,(bleaching, all ceramic crowns, prewedding specials for prophys orbleaching for the wedding party). Youhave a captive audience that likes you andrespects your dentistry. Use that built inmarket and you will find a much bigger,“bang for your buck”.Dr. Steven Reynolds is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry.Previously, he ran his own successful general dentistry practice. Any views stated here are those of Dr. Reynolds, andare not necessarily reflective of the views of the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry. If you’d like to askDr. Reynolds a dental related question, please email us at dentalar@udmercy.edu.30 LEADING EDGE WINTER 2011

Q. How much income should a rural dentist bemaking after the 5th year?A. It’s surprising to me that people think that rural dentistsearn less than their urban equivalents. I think that in manycases they earn the same and often more than people in largecities. There is oversupply in the urban areas; too manydentists, too few patients. I think that all dentists who havebeen in practice for five or more years have the potential to beproducing at least a million dollars a year with one hygienist,allowing $750,000 for the doctor’s production and $250,000for the hygiene production. That figure is based on a productionfor the doctor of $400/hour and $155/hour for the hygienist,five days a week, eight hours per day. You can use thosenumbers to figure your own potential production based on thenumber of hours you work per week and how many hygienedays that you have.Q. What do I have to look for from a legal perspectivewhen opening a new practice?A. There are all kinds of regulatory issues, both state and federal thatneed to be addressed. Don’t try to do it alone. Laws change all the timeand they vary state to state. You need to hire an accountant and a lawyerwho are familiar with the dental industry. If you are in a small village orrural area and you can’t find one who works with dentists, then youneed to at least work with people who deal with other professionalslike physicians.Q. What is the most overlooked money drainer in adental practice?A. Surprisingly enough it is the doctor. Too many dentists livebeyond their means. A practice is a source of cash flow and manydentists live off of the cash flow of the office rather than the incomegenerated by the office. That becomes especially apparent when theeconomy turns sour as it has here in Michigan for the past numberof years. We lease expensive cars, charge extravagant vacations oncredit cards and allow ourselves to overspend. Be prudent aboutyour expenditures. Live within your means and you will have aneasier, more pleasant life.WWW.DENTAL.UDMERCY.EDU 31

The value oftheBrand

MY FAVORITE LETTERA regular featurehighlighting onedentist’s favorite letterfrom a patient.Dr. Joel Grand and Dr. Mert Aksu, DeanUDM School of DentistryDetroit, MichiganDear Drs. Grand and Aksu,Several months ago, I became a patient at the dental school and was assigned Dr.Karsten Hain.On my scheduled appointment days he was prompt and always greeted me with ahandshake and a warm smile. At each session he carefully explained the procedurehe was engaging in that day, and asked if I understood or if I had any questions.I was always treated with dignity and respect.Dr. Hain is intelligent, dedicated, very personable and has an excellent grasp of theknowledge and skills needed for his chosen profession. He is also rather humbleand easy to talk to.Near the end of my final visits, I became seriously ill and was unable to come infor future appointments or to pay the final lab fees and make the final payment.Would you believe that this Christian young man called me and offered to pay thelab fees so that my final dental work could be completed? I of course reimbursedDr. Hain. Also, he scheduled a final appointment for me on his own time for a finaldenture fitting.Never in life will I forget his kindness and I know that God will continually blesshim and his loved ones.Sincerely,LDJHeard from your patients lately?In this fast-paced world of time-crunching schedules,word-squashing tweets and texts, and dwindlingdiscretionary time, some patients still take the time towrite their dentist a good old-fashioned thank you note.Since we can all draw inspiration from words of praise,we’ll be printing a special thank you letter in each issueof Leading Edge. Below is a note written to our UDMDental Center.If you are a UDM School of Dentistry alumnus with afavorite letter to share, please submit it for consideration.Whether it’s a recent email or a yellowed hand-written notethat you’ve kept for years, we’d love to showcase it inLeading Edge. Mail your submission, with your contactinformation, to:Office of Communications – Favorite LettersUniversity of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry2700 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, #449Detroit, Michigan 48208-257636 LEADING EDGE WINTER 2011

CONTINUING EDUCATIONUDMERCY.EDU/DENTAL 37

CONTINUING EDUCATIONInstitute for Advanced Continuing Dental Education2012 Course Offerings At-A-GlanceKimberly Mercier-Perry, RDH, MHSA, DirectorOngoing On-line CourseWhy Should That Baby Be InMy Dental Chair?Gail E. Molinari, DDS, MSCarolynn A. Zeitz, RDH, BS, RDAAvailable Anytime3 CEU’s (On-Line)January 2012Nitrous Oxide/Oxygen Sedationfor Dental Hygienists and RegisteredDental AssistantsMargie Coleman, RDH, BSWalter Lim, DDM, MSD, DDSClaudine Sordyl, RN, MSFriday, January 27, 20126/9 CEU’s (Lecture, Hands-On, On-line)UDMSD Corktown Campus, DetroitFebruary 2012Systemic Antimicrobial Agentsin General DentistryW. Choong Foong, Bsc (Hons), PhDWednesday, February 1, 20123 CEU’s (Lecture)The Henry Hotel, DearbornEmerging Oral Healthcare Models;What They Are, Where They Are,Who They AreKathi R. Shepherd, RDH, MSThursday, February 16, 20123 CEU’s (Lecture)UDMSD Corktown Campus, DetroitAcute Pain Managementin DentistryW. Choong Foong, Bsc (Hons), PhDWednesday, February 29, 20123 CEU’s (Lecture)The Royal Park Hotel, RochesterMarch 2012Implant Dentistry, Avoiding andSolving Implant ComplicationsAhmad Fard, DDS, MSAnthony Neely, DDS, MDentSC, PhDSaturday, March 3, 20126 CEU’s (Lecture and Hands-On)UDMSD, Corktown Campus, DetroitHealth Literacy: Helping PatientsGet the Message!Pamela Zarkowski, JD, MPHWednesday, March 14, 20123 CEU’s (Lecture)The Royal Park Hotel, RochesterApril 2012New Guidelines for theManagement of TMJ Disordersin the Dental PracticeAyman ElMadawy, DDS, MS, PhDZenon Kossak, DDSRichard Kulbersh, DDS, MSRobert Bruce MacIntosh, DDSSaturday, April 14, 20126 CEU’s (Lecture and Hands-On)UDMSD Corktown Campus, DetroitUnderstanding the Basics ofSurgical and Restorative DentalImplant TherapyAhmad Fard, DDS, MSAnthony Neely, DDS, MDentSC, PhDFriday – Saturday, April 27-28, 201216 CEU’s (Lecture and Hands-On)UDMSD Corktown Campus, DetroitMay 2012Local Anesthesia Administration forthe Dental Hygienists: An On-line,Lecture and Hands-On ProgramLeyvee Cabanilla Jacobs, DDS, MSDMargie Coleman, RDH, BSDeb DesRosiers, DDS, MSW. Choong Foong, BSc (Hons), PhDWilliam Forbes, DDSCarl Stone, DDS, MA, MBA, MAPamela Zarkowski, JD, MPHWednesday – Friday, May 2-4, 201229 CEU’s (Lecture, Hands-On, On-line)UDMSD Corktown Campus, DetroitInnovations in Flapless Placementof Dental ImplantsTimothy Kosinski, DDS, MAGDFriday, May 4, 20124 CEU’s (Lecture)The Henry Hotel, DearbornHerbal/Nutritional Supplementsand the Dental PracticeW. Choong Foong, BSc (Hons), PhDSanjay Chand, MDWednesday, May 16, 20123 CEU’s (Lecture)The Baronette Renaissance Hotel, NoviUse of Local and SystemicAntimicrobials and Adjuncts in theManagement of Periodontal DiseaseAnthony Neely, DDS, MDentSc, PhDFriday, May 18, 20124 CEU’s (Lecture)The Royal Park Hotel, RochesterInfection Control in DentistryNahid Kashani, DDS, MSDSanjay Chand, MDFriday, May 25, 20123 CEU’s (Lecture)The Royal Park Hotel, Rochester38 LEADING EDGE WINTER 2011

CONTINUING EDUCATIONLet us be your source for evidence-based and clinicallyrelevant courses to help you meet your life-long learning goals.June 2012Implants 101: What Every Hygienistand Assistant Needs to Knowin Order to Educate Their Patientsand Advance Their PracticeTimothy Kosinski, DDS, MAGDFriday, June 1, 20123 CEU’s (Lecture)The Baronette Renaissance Hotel, NoviOral Health Product Evaluation:Putting Evidence Into PracticeDurinda Mattana, RDH, MSWednesday, June 6, 20123 CEU’s (Lecture)The Baronette Renaissance Hotel, NoviHow to Avoid a Malpractice CaseTheodore Passineau, JDDaniel Shirey, JDThursday, June 7, 20123 CEU’s (Lecture)The Henry Hotel, DearbornEffective Practice Management:A Team Approach to MakingLife EasierSteven Reynolds, DDS, MSBAFriday, June 8, 20126 CEU’s (Lecture)The Inn at St. John’s, PlymouthUnderstanding the Periodontaland Systemic Disease RelationshipAnthony Neely, DDS, MDentSc, PhDThursday, June 14, 20124 CEU’s (Lecture)The Henry Hotel, DearbornPotpourri of Oral Pathology – Part 1Junu Ojha, BDS, MSFriday, June 15, 20123 CEU’s (Lecture)Park Place Hotel, Traverse CityPotpourri of Oral Pathology – Part 2Junu Ojha, BDS, MSSaturday, June 16, 20123 CEU’s (Lecture)Park Place Hotel, Traverse CityA Hands-On Review ofLocal AnesthesiaLeyvee Cabanilla Jacobs, DDS, MSDMargie Coleman, RDH, BSWilliam Forbes, DDSWednesday, June 20, 20126 CEU’s (Lecture and Hands-On)UDMSD Corktown Campus, DetroitPros and Cons of Diagnosis,Examination, Digital RadiographicInterpretation and TreatmentPlanning for the Pediatric PatientSalwa Atwan, DDS, MSJames Geist, DDS, MSRobert F. Majewski, DDS, MSFriday, June 22, 20127 CEU’s (Lecture)The Royal Park Hotel, RochesterAcute Pain Management in DentistryW. Choong Foong, BSc (Hons), PhDFriday, June 29, 20123 CEU’s (Lecture)The Lexington Hotel, LansingTo register or for the mostup-to-date listing of courses visit:dental.udmercy.edu/ceQuestions? Call Treena Guy at:313-494-6626.We are pleased to announce that allUDMSD CE courses are offered toUDM alumni at a 10% discount.Please make sure to choose ‘alumni’ aspart of your highest credential whenregistering for all courses.The University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider. ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dentalprofessionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does itimply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry.The University of Detroit Mercy is designated as an Approved PACE Program Provider by the Academy of General Dentistry. The formal continuing dental educationprograms of this program provider are accepted by AGD for Fellowship/Mastership and membership maintenance credit. Approval does not imply acceptance by astate or provincial board of dentistry or AGD endorsement. The currentterm of approval extends from 5/1/2011 to 4/30/2015. Provider ID 214176WWW.DENTAL.UDMERCY.EDU 39

2700 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.Detroit, Michigan 48208-2576www.dental.udmercy.eduNonprofitOrganizationU.S. PostagePAIDPermit No. 1475Detroit, MIADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTEDLEADING EDGEWINTER 2011Save the date to reconnect with old friends!School of DentistryAlumni Day 2012Saturday, May 12, 2012The Henry, Dearborn, Michigan(See page 37 for details)42 LEADING EDGE WINTER 2011