Dean's Letter
Caring for the entire person
Dear alumni and friends,
Dr. Mert N. Aksu, Dean
"Whether that person is a patient or a student, we must recognize the importance of attending to the needs of the other." 4 |
L E A D I N G E D G E FA L L / W I N T E R 2 0 1 9
As you read this edition of the Leading Edge, I hope you feel the excitement of all that is going on around us here in Detroit – both on and off campus. The theme we have been reinforcing throughout the year has been centered on cura personalis, a Latin phrase that means to care for the entire person and a key characteristic of a Jesuit education. We take our role in doing this seriously as both stewards in the education of future oral health professionals and providers to our patients. For students, we provide an environment for growth both personally and professionally and guide them forward as they become alumni. In Detroit, we are an essential resource for oral healthcare to the patients and communities we serve. Recently, we experienced a power outage midday at the School of
Dentistry. Students were in the middle of quizzes, lectures and procedures - patients were in the process of treatment. It was inconvenient and hectic, but this crisis brought out the best in people and showed how resilient and invested we are as individuals and a team. As patients were prioritized, it was a teaching opportunity for faculty and staff. By implementing quick thinking educational strategies, students felt at ease among the uncertainty. It was a day that will surely be remembered as part of their educational experience and enable them to think on their feet once they have moved onto their careers. Power was restored in the middle of the night and staff members arrived to work early the next day. They were ready to go the extra mile so we could deliver the smile. By the time patients arrived, it was business as usual.
