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Student Profile Q&A: Shawn Hallett is nearing the end of his 7-year DDS/PhD dual degree program, but his journey of scientific understanding is just getting started

March 25, 2025

____________________________ This profile is one in an ongoing series highlighting School of Dentistry alumni and students. ____________________________ Shawn Hallett’s quest to become a dentist-scientist has produced a lengthy CV with incredible breadth and depth in complex scientific research and extensive collaboration with leading researchers around the country. Over the last seven years at the University …

School of Dentistry faculty and patients part of new study investigating opioid alternatives for post-surgical pain

January 28, 2025

Ann Arbor, Mich., Jan. 28, 2025 – University of Michigan School of Dentistry faculty and patients participated in a new study that supports changes in how dentists and oral surgeons treat post-surgical pain. The randomized clinical trial, led by the dental school at Rutgers University, followed about 1,800 patients who had surgeries to remove impacted …

Dental school faculty to study senior citizen health outcomes using implant overdentures as alternative to traditional dentures

January 14, 2025

Ann Arbor, Mich., Jan. 14, 2025 – A state-wide project led by oral surgeons from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry is focused on improving the oral health and well-being of older adults who have ill-fitting dentures. The team has received a Healthy Aging Grant of $500,000 from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund for …

School of Dentistry names clinic for former dean Laurie McCauley in recognition of gift from Henry Schein Cares

October 25, 2024

Ann Arbor, Mich., Oct. 25, 2024 – The main predoctoral clinic used by dental students at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry has been named in honor of U-M Provost Laurie McCauley, the former dean of the dental school. The naming was announced Thursday by school leaders in recognition of a major equipment donation …

Alumni Profile Q&A: Dr. Timothy Bizga, DDS (2006), FAGD

October 16, 2024

Dr. Timothy Bizga is a general dentist practicing in Cleveland, Ohio, with special interests in implants, cosmetics and facial aesthetics. He earned his DDS in 2006 from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, where he received the Francis B. Vedder award for excellence in prosthodontics. After graduation, he joined the practice of his father, Dr. Chester …

University of Michigan School of Dentistry students find many ways to “Give Kids a Smile” at annual free clinic

March 20, 2024

Ann Arbor, Mich., March 20, 2024 – Two clinics at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry were abuzz with the enthusiastic conversations between dental students and the children they were treating Saturday during the annual “Give Kids a Smile” event. Children ages 4-14 from around the Ann Arbor region were brought to the dental …

New study led by School of Dentistry professor documents effective treatment for early childhood tooth decay

March 12, 2024

Ann Arbor, Mich., March 12, 2024 – A major clinical trial led by a University of Michigan School of Dentistry professor has shown that silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is effective in stopping tooth decay when applied to the teeth of young children. Dr. Margherita Fontana led a team of researchers in the multi-year study of …

University of Michigan School of Dentistry faculty member helps develop new recommendations for significant change related to dental X-rays

March 5, 2024

Ann Arbor, Mich., March 5, 2024 – A University of Michigan School of Dentistry faculty member helped develop a new recommendation by the American Dental Association (ADA) that is likely to affect millions of Americans during their future dental appointments. Dr. Erika Benavides was chair of an expert panel established by the ADA’s Council on …

Alumni Profile: Dr. Carlos Smith (DDS 2007) – Advocating for ethics, diversity and access to care because dentistry is about much more than clinical skills

February 19, 2024

Carlos Smith is the rare dentist who holds both a DDS degree and a Master of Divinity Degree. The combination of those interests has led Smith to a successful career in academia as a faculty member and Associate Dean at the School of Dentistry at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). In the process, he has gained …

Student Profile: With a dual DDS and PhD, Ben Swanson brings a ‘clinician-engineer’ vision of scientific discovery and new technologies to clinical care

January 23, 2024

Ben Swanson’s seven-year sojourn in Ann Arbor has been an educational tour de force packed with clinical dentistry training, advanced scientific research, and business and entrepreneurial studies. When he leaves the University of Michigan School of Dentistry after commencement in May, he’ll hold a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree and a PhD in the Oral …

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