Dental Alumni Board of Directors
Detroit Mercy Dental Alumni Board of Directors
The Dental Alumni Board of Directors at the University of Detroit Mercy has a purpose that's as inspiring as it is essential: to promote and sustain a strong bond between the School of Dentistry and its esteemed graduates. The board has a diverse range of objectives that strive to keep its members connected and engaged with the School of Dentistry. They work to maintain the highest ethical standards of the dental profession, embodying a passion for learning and serving the community. As knowledgeable advisers, they act as a conduit between dental educators, dental students, hygiene students, and the dental profession as a whole. The board facilitates the transition of dental and dental hygiene students into the practice of dentistry, while also serving as the formal Advisory Board to the Dental Hygiene Program and the Institute for Advanced Continuing Education. Lastly, the board also serves as an advisor to the Director of Development and raises funds through coordinated fundraising and capital campaigns for the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry.
For more information about how you can become involved, contact us at dentalar@udmercy.edu.
2023-2024 Dental Alumni Board of Directors
Linda Dobis, D.D.S. '94
Dr. Linda Dobis received her dental degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry. She completed a hospital dental residency at the University of Iowa, where she stayed to complete her periodontal and implant training. Dr. Dobis is a Diplomate in The American Board of Periodontology. She returned to Michigan and began teaching at the University of Detroit Mercy. She started practicing at Periodontic and Implantology Associates the same year.Dr. Dobis’s teaching excellence has been recognized by peers and students alike, and she was awarded clinical instructor of the year at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry. She was the faculty advisor to her dental fraternity for over 15 years. Dr. Dobis has been elected as a delegate or alternate to the Michigan Dental Association multiple times. She is known for her kind and caring attitude, while her clinical expertise remains cutting edge. She has spoken on periodontics and implants locally and regionally.
Marcy Murrell, R.D.H. ‘93, D.D.S.’02
Dr. Marcy Murrell earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene from the University of Detroit in 1993. Always knowing that she wanted to become a dentist, she returned to Detroit Mercy to earn her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 2002. Upon graduation, Dr. Murrell earned several awards, including the American Academy of Dental Practice Award, Organization of Teachers of Oral Diagnosis Award, Quintessence Award for Clinical Achievement in Restorative Dentistry, Dental Hygiene Community Service Award, and the Russell W. Bunting Study Club Award for Excellence in Periodontics.
Dr. Murrell practices in Plymouth, Michigan, and is an adjunct clinical assistant professor at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, a clinical consultant to the Dental Advisor, and a member of the American Dental Association, the Michigan Dental Association, and the Detroit District Dental Society. She resides in Northville with her husband, David, and their three children, where she is an active member of the community.
Sarah Charland, R.D.H., B.S. '17
Ms. Sarah Charland graduated from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry in 2017 with her Bachelor's of Science and Certificate in Dental Hygiene. She had the opportunity to attend the alumni board meetings as a student, which interested her to be part of such an influential committee as a graduate. Ms. Charland has held various positions since graduation, including travel dental hygiene. She currently practices dental hygiene in St. Clair Shores, alongside Dr. Richard Raad.
John Dinka, D.D.S. '86
Dr. John Dinka received both his undergraduate and Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Detroit. He is involved with the American Dental Association, Michigan Dental Association, Macomb District Dental Society, Detroit District Dental Society, Pierre Fauchard Academy, and the Academy of General Dentistry. He has practiced with his wife Catherine Osinski Dinka, D.D.S. ‘88 in Sterling Heights since 1989.
He is committed to giving back to the community and is a volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America: Council Advisory Council as well as being a member of the Knights of Columbus. When Dr. Dinka isn’t practicing dentistry, he enjoys traveling and working on classic cars.
Sarmad Alyas-Askar, M.S., D.D.S. '13, M.S.
Dr. Sarmad Alyas-Askar received his undergraduate degree from Calvin College, and his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Detroit Mercy Dental School. After graduating, he completed a General Practice Residency at Summa Health Systems in Ohio. Dr. Alyas-Askar then continued his pursuit of higher education and received his specialty training in Endodontics from Indiana University School of Dentistry. He is currently practicing clinical Endodontics in Livonia, Michigan and is a part-time faculty member for the Endodontic Department at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry. Dr. Alyas-Askar prides himself on his commitment to giving back to the community. He is a member of Michigan Dental Association, Michigan Association of Endodontists, American Association of Endodontists, and the Detroit District Dental Society
Mario Tomei, D.D.S. ‘92
Dr. Mario Tomei graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Eastern Michigan University before earning his D.D.S. from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry in 1992. He is a member of the American Dental Association, Michigan Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry as well as the Livonia Chamber of Commerce. With a passion for serving the underserved, Dr. Tomei is a volunteer dentist at Gary Bernstein clinic in Pontiac, Michigan and sponsors numerous church events, food banks, and sports teams. He enjoys spending time up-north at his cottages, boating, snowmobiling, and target shooting.
Dr. Tomei resides in Plymouth with his wife, and their three children.
Eryn Huber, R.D.H. '09, D.D.S. '16
Dr. Eryn Huber is a 2009 dental hygiene and 2016 dental graduate of University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry. Dr. Huber chose general dentistry for the opportunity to build relationships with her patients and their families. She believes that overall health and oral health go hand in hand and is a strong believer in oral cancer screenings and identifying dental problems early. Dr. Huber held numerous leadership positions while in dental school and also participated in a mission trip to the Dominican Republic.
She has been recognized with the Excellence in Prosthodontics Award, the International College of Dentists' Leadership Award, and the Academy of General Dentists' General Dentist Award. Dr. Huber maintains memberships in the following organizations: American Dental Association, Michigan Dental Association and Academy of General Dentistry. In her spare time, Dr. Huber enjoys camping, hiking, cycling, attending concerts, traveling, and practicing yoga. Dr. Huber lives in downtown Detroit with her husband and daughter. She enjoys all the diversity that living in the city brings.
Peter Namou, D.D.S. '17
Dr. Peter Namou attended the accelerated dental program at the University of Detroit Mercy, earning his Bachelor of Science, and his Doctorate of Dental Surgery degrees in 2017. He graduated Magna Cum Laude and earned multiple awards including the Pierre Fauchard Academy Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement. Dr. Namou knew early in life that he had a passion for helping others. He has volunteered for two missions to Haiti to provide dental care to those lives were upset by the earthquake in 2010, and Hurricane Mathew in 2016. Now, his dedication to helping others guides him as he works to provide patients with brighter and healthier smiles.
Richard Raad, D.D.S. '84
Dr. Richard G. Raad attended Wayne State University and studied chemistry before completing his dental education at the University of Detroit Mercy in 1984. He completed The Aesthetic Program at The State University of New York at Buffalo (SUNY) and Implant Prosthetics Training at The Misch Institute. He has studied at The Pankey Institute in Key Biscayne, Florida and throughout the country in all disciplines in dentistry. He received his Fellowship Awards in the Academy of General Dentistry in 1998 and the Academy of Dental - Facial Aesthetics. He currently works in private practice in St Clair Shores, MI and enjoys providing excellent dentistry to all the wonderful patients he meets. On his time off, he enjoys spending time with his wife Karen and 3 wonderful kids. He also enjoys bicycling, running and working out.
Richard G. Raad, D.D.S. is a former adjunct professor, Department of Restorative Dentistry University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry. He taught preclinical dentistry to DS1 and DS2 dental students and clinical dentistry to the DS3 and DS4 dental students. His areas of special interest are mentoring dental students to be the best dentists in our communities and teaching aesthetic restorative dentistry techniques. He has received recognition from the dental students for teaching excellence.
Benjamin Underwood, D.D.S. ‘15
Dr. Benjamin Underwood graduated from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry in 2015. Dr. Underwood is a proud member of the Michigan Dental Association where he serves as the Chairperson on the Continuing Education Committee. In addition, he also serves as the Deputy of the Delta Sigma Delta Pi Pi undergraduate chapter. Dr. Underwood holds memberships in the Academy of General Dentistry, Pierre Fauchard Academy, and the American Dental Association. Dr. Underwood practices in Warren, MI and when he’s not in the office he can be found on the golf course.
Jenna Zelek, R.D.H., '01, B.S. '01
Ms. Jenna Strader-Zelek graduated from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry in 2001 with her Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene. She was honored to be inducted into the dental national honor society, Sigma Phi Alpha, and was one of only two students invited to sit on the Accreditation Committee. She says that that experience opened her eyes as to what an amazing school Detroit Mercy really is. She has worked in private practice, with an exceptional dentist, since 2001, and says that seeing her periodontal therapy patients transform from disease to health keeps her motivated in this field. Volunteering is important to Jenna, as she jumps in to offer her dental hygiene services at outreach programs throughout the year, including an annual dental event held at Ford Field in partnership with the Detroit Lions. The elementary students in her area also benefit from her regular visits to their classroom, bringing books, puppets and tooth models to share. She states that the relationships she has developed with her patients is a two-way street. While Jenna may be the one giving dental treatment, she also takes something valuable away from each patient experience stating, "I'm incredibly grateful for this new position on the Alumni Board because it keeps me involved in a school that I love very much".
Mark R. Mortiere, M.S. ‘82, D.D.S. ‘86
Dr. Mark Mortiere attended the University of Michigan, where he received his B . A . in Psychology/ Sociology /Biology. He also attended the University of Detroit, where he received his M.S. in Biology, and his D.D.S. Continuing his pursuit of higher education, he completed a GPR from the Ann Arbor VAMC, his AGD Fellowship in 1996 and Masters in 2009. Since 1988 he has held a private dental practice in Livonia, MI . Dr. Mortiere is also a full - time Clinical Assistant Professor and Clinic Lead at Detroit Mercy Dental School . He holds memberships in the American Dental Association, Michigan Dental Association , Detroit District Dental Society, Academy of General Dentistry, Detroit Dental Clinic Club and Plymouth Research Institute.
Basam Shamo, D.D.S. '13, M.S.
Dr. Basam Shamo received his undergraduate degree in Biochemistry and Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Detroit Mercy. Dr. Shamo strives to practice under the philosophy that the patient’s wants and needs are essential to providing the best treatment while in a comfortable and relaxing environment; and prides himself with his commitment to giving back to the community. He also serves on the executive board for the Detroit District Dental Society and on the Committee on Membership for the Michigan Dental Association.