Students

Student Q&A: Michael Bankes (DDS Class of 2025) brings intensity and commitment as a dental student and as a national-class ultra-distance triathlete

December 12, 2024

____________________________ This profile is one in an ongoing series highlighting School of Dentistry alumni and students. ____________________________ The challenging course of study and clinical care required for dental school produces a wide range of stress-relief strategies among students. Fourth-year student Michael Bankes has taken his idea of relaxation to a somewhat counterintuitive level of high-end …

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 …

School of Dentistry celebrates 30 years of training research scientists in its PhD program

October 16, 2024

Ann Arbor, Mich., Oct. 16, 2024 – The importance of scientific inquiry related to oral health was celebrated at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry Oct. 4 as the school marked the 30th anniversary of the founding of its PhD program. In the three decades since the program’s inception in 1993, the school has …

Faculty member Sarah Tomaka named to lead dental school’s external rotation program at clinics around Michigan

September 19, 2024

Ann Arbor, Mich., Sept. 19, 2024 – School of Dentistry faculty member Dr. Sarah Tomaka has been promoted from Associate Director to Assistant Dean for the Community-Based Collaborative Care and Education (CBCE) program, which is the school’s expansive external rotation program for dental students. Dean Jacques Nör announced the appointment, effective Sept. 1. In her …

For 2024 U-M dentistry grad Leo Merle, competing in the Paris Paralympics was rewarding and inspiring in many ways

September 18, 2024

Ann Arbor, Mich., Sept. 18, 2024 – There was no denying the broad smile that came across Leo Merle’s face as he looked up into the massive stadium crowd after he crossed the finish line of the 1,500-meter run at the Paralympics in Paris on Sept. 7. He had finished in sixth place, three seconds …

University of Michigan School of Dentistry student elected President-elect of Student National Dental Association

September 6, 2024

Ann Arbor, Mich., Sept. 6, 2024 – As she begins her third-year as a student at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Brhan Eskinder has added some national responsibilities to her regular classroom and clinic schedule. In July, Eskinder was elected President-elect of the Student National Dental Association (SNDA) for the 2024-25 academic year, …

Student Profile: Amy Yu Xuan Lin (DDS 2025) – Navigating dental school and the equestrian show-jumping arena

August 9, 2024

Now in her fourth and final year on the way to her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree next spring, Amy Yu Xuan Lin is feeling confident in her dentistry skills. She’s steadily completing the checklist of required patient treatments during appointments in the University of Michigan School of Dentistry clinics. She’s also been on the …

Annual White Coat Ceremony helps launch dental school’s newest class of students

July 29, 2024

Ann Arbor, Mich., July 29, 2024 – The next wave of dental students starting their education at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry received a mix of inspiration and advice during the school’s annual White Coat Ceremony on Friday. The 109 members of the DDS Class of 2028 have settled into the first of …

Recent dental school grad Leo Merle to compete in 2024 Paralympics in Paris

July 24, 2024

Ann Arbor, Mich., July 24, 2024 – Leo Merle, a 2024 graduate of the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, is heading to Paris as a member of the U.S. Paralympic Track & Field Team that will compete against athletes from around the world. Merle, who specializes in the 1,500-meter run, was named to the …

DDS Class of 2028 arrives at School of Dentistry

June 22, 2024

Ann Arbor, Mich., June 22, 2024 – Members of the School of Dentistry’s Class of 2028 arrived this week from around the country to start their 4-year journey to a DDS degree. The 109 members of the class were admitted from a pool of 1,716 applicants. The class statistical snapshot: • The 62 women and …

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