Abstract
UDM Dental School Dean Mert N. Aksu discusses the profiles, expectations, and challenges of modern dental students, highlighting their collaborative nature, tech-savviness, and focus on wellness and work-life balance. The report outlines UDM's clinical curriculum enhancements, including systems-based biomedical integration, and extensive clinical practice labs. Aksu addresses the substantial 58% inflation-adjusted rise in educational debt since 2008 and updates on community service rotations (Corktown Clinic, Titans for Teeth), the implementation of the new Vermont Track for rural care, the adoption of AI radiographic analysis, and comprehensive student mental health support programs.
Recommended Citation
Aksu, Mert N. DDS, JD, MHSA, Cert. DPH
(2026)
"UDM Dean's Report - A Look at the Student of Today as We Prepare Them for Tomorrow,"
The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association: Vol. 108:
No.
9, Article 7.
Available at:
https://commons.ada.org/journalmichigandentalassociation/vol108/iss9/7
Included in
Adult and Continuing Education Commons, Dental Public Health and Education Commons, Finance and Financial Management Commons, Leadership Commons
Submit Article
