Raman Bedi, D.D.S., D.Sc.

Arizona’s first dental school graduates its third class

MESA, Ariz. – (June 15, 2009) A.T. Still University’s Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health (ATSU-ASDOH) bid farewell to the class of 2009 at its third commencement ceremony Saturday, June 13 at the Mesa Arts Center in Mesa, Ariz.

Fifty-five graduates received their doctor of dental medicine (D.M.D.) degree, one of whom also received a master in public health (M.P.H.). Also participating in Saturday’s ceremony were four candidates scheduled to graduate in August with both a certificate in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics and a doctor of health sciences (D.H.Sc.) degree.

“Today’s graduates are well prepared to tackle the challenge of today’s economy and the healthcare environment,” said ATSU Provost Craig Phelps, D.O., ‘84. “We wish them well, whether going into private practice or continuing their education. It’s been a pleasure to have them at ATSU over the past four years. Our graduates will be making a difference in communities across Arizona and the United States.”

According to ASDOH Dean Jack Dillenberg, D.D.S., M.P.H., this is the first time ASDOH has graduated a student with both a D.M.D. and an M.P.H., as well as the first time they have presented post graduate certificates in orthodontics. “We are proud of our students for reaching these important milestones in ASDOH’s history,” he said. “We are thrilled to be producing the next generation of outstanding clinicians and dental leaders to meet the oral health needs of not only our community, but the nation.”

As part of the commencement ceremony, honorary doctor of humane letters degrees were conferred upon keynote speaker Raman Bedi, D.D.S., D.Sc., FDSRCS, FGDP, FPHM, head of the Centre for International Child Oral Health and professor at King’s College London; and Allen Lawrence Finkelstein, D.D.S., medical director of AmeriChoice/United HealthGroup and ATSU-ASDOH adjunct faculty member.

ATSU-ASDOH also honored class of 2009 member Michael Serkanic, who passed away in August 2008, with a posthumous degree. At the annual ASDOH awards brunch on June 11, fellow student Darby Lefler was awarded the first Michael Serkanic Spirit of Caring award and $1,000 scholarship, which is given to a student who demonstrates “caring and compassionate service in a fun and collegial way, as exemplified by Michael Serkanic’s life.” A total of 34 awards were given to 25 graduates at the brunch.

KIRKSVILLE, Mo. (May 19, 2009) — The A.T. Still University (ATSU) Board of Trustees met on May 8 and 9 in Mesa, Ariz., to discuss the state of the University. At the meeting, the board approved three resolutions: the 2009-10 fiscal year budget, honorary degrees for the Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health (ASDOH) commencement, and honorary degrees for the Arizona School of Health Sciences (ASHS) commencement.

Budget and Finances

The Finance Committee heard a full report on the proposed budget for the upcoming year, which was approved the next day by the full board. As the University continues to grow, many fundraising programs and events are taking place across both campuses. Staff members presented the Development Committee with information on these initiatives and the progress that they have made for ATSU.

Honorary Degrees

The board approved two honorary degrees, Doctor of Humane Letters (D.Hu.L.) for Raman Bedi, D.D.S, D.Sc., and Allen L. Finkelstein, D.D.S. Officials will present these degrees at ASDOH’s graduation ceremony on June 13. Dr. Bedi was the chief dental officer in England from 2002-05 and is the co-director of the World Health Organization Collaborating Centre at the Eastman Dental Institute in London. Based in the United States, Dr. Finkelstein is the chief dental officer of AmeriChoice/United Health Group and a general dentist practicing in the state of New York.

For ASHS’ commencement on August 8, the board approved two more D.Hu.L. honorary degrees: for David Goldstein, Ph.D., and David H. Perrin, Ph.D. Dr. Goldstein is professor emeritus of audiology at Purdue University, and Dr. Perrin is dean of the School of Health and Human Performance at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

Strategic Research Initiative

Assistant Vice President for Research, Grants, and Information Systems John Heard, Ph.D., reported on the Strategic Research Initiative to the Education and Research Committee. Each of the School’s deans also reported on this initiative, and participants agreed that further coordination is necessary between both campuses.