Mike Petryk School of Dentistry - University of Alberta

Exceptional mentors build the foundation for our future researchers. Congratulations to Dr. Maryam Sharifzadeh-Amin on receiving the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry’s (FoMD) Clinical Tier I award and to Dr. Raisa Catunda on receiving the Clinical Tier II award for Excellence in Mentoring Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Fellows.

This is an award that the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry holds in the highest esteem. It is an annual award to recognize outstanding performance in the mentoring of research trainees. They both provide support, encouragement, and challenge trainees to reach their full potential.

Photo (from left to right): Dr. Maryam Sharifzadeh-Amin and Dr. Raisa Catunda

The halls are buzzing again, and we are so excited to welcome both our returning and incoming students back to the Mike Petryk School of Dentistry for the fall semester. From the first steps in the door to graduation, we are entering another year of learning, discovery and clinical opportunities.

Welcome back to the classroom. 🦷🔬📚

Yesterday, faculty members from the Mike Petryk School of Dentistry had the privilege of attending the U of A's AI Day to explore changes to teaching and learning with artificial intelligence. They learned about human-centred AI, practical applications of Gemini tools, and rethinking assessment strategies in higher education. We are excited to bring these perspectives to enhance our programs.

🏆 Congratulations to Dr. Suzy Depledge for being honoured with the W.W. Wood Award for excellence in Dental Education. This award is annually presented by the Association of Canadian Faculties of Dentistry to commemorate a winner’s impact while teaching. 🏆

Dr. Depledge has enhanced experiential learning and learner support by designing the school’s first curriculum-embedded advanced elective program for graduating doctor of dental surgery students, and leading the Access for All initiative to support greater social accountability and community impact on the communities we serve.

Excellent teamwork leads to excellent patient care! At the University of Alberta’s Oral Health Clinic, our student clinicians work collaboratively under the close supervision of experienced professionals to deliver high-quality, comprehensive oral health care to the public.

Here is what one of our patients had to say about the stellar teamwork they experienced during their visit: “My dentistry student and the young lady who assisted him due to her patient cancellation were both so competent and worked excellently as a team. If I had to grade them, they both deserve an A+ for the excellent care and education I received. Both very personable and caring."

Experience our A+ student care for yourself while helping train the next generation of professionals. Apply to become a patient today:
https://www.ualberta.ca/en/school-of-dentistry/oral-health-clinic/services.html?utm_source=meta&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=mpsoddent

We are thrilled that our Alberta Institute Wenzhou Medical University program (AIWMU) has been honoured with the 2026 ASPIRE - Technology Enhanced Learning Award by AMEE (The International Association for Health Professions Education). 🌟 📅

This global award recognizes institutions that go beyond traditional accreditation to demonstrate excellence and innovation in health-related education. AIWMU receives this honour for the use of CALLY. This innovative tool has successfully facilitated our transnational medical education program, enhancing the learning experience and delivering clear educational value to our students across borders.

Congratulations to the program on this achievement!

With a new school year starting, it is the perfect time to check in on your oral health. Our satellite dental clinics in High Level, La Crete and McLennan are back for appointments between September 2026 and July 2027. New and returning patients can come to receive high-quality, affordable oral health care from our dentistry and dental hygiene students, while supervised by faculty.

Discover more: https://www.ualberta.ca/en/school-of-dentistry/about-us/dentistrynews/2026/08/satellite-clinic.html?utm_source=meta&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=mpsoddent

Word of mouth is our favourite way to meet new patients! At the University of Alberta’s Oral Health Clinic, our student teams and supervising experts are fully dedicated to providing exceptional oral health care to the entire Edmonton region.

Here is what one patient shared after finally convincing their spouse to visit us:

“After singing the praises of the school for a few years now, my wife finally started going here, and she couldn't be happier. Everyone from the front desk to the students to the instructors from top to bottom does a great job!”

We are welcoming new patients. Apply to become one today:
https://www.ualberta.ca/en/school-of-dentistry/oral-health-clinic/services.html?utm_source=meta&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=mpsoddent

Experts from the University of Alberta are sharing tips that might completely change how you look after your smile. ✨ In a new Folio article, clinical professors Alexandra Sheppard and Dr. Ida Kornerup discuss how to protect your health with five key tips.

Read the full article: https://www.ualberta.ca/en/folio/2026/06/five-ways-to-take-care-of-your-teeth.html

We are proud to celebrate the recipients of the Research Excellence Awards, the highest internal research distinctions within the Mike Petryk School of Dentistry. These awards publicly recognize full-time faculty for outstanding achievements, dedication to innovation, and global impact.

Join us in congratulating this year’s exceptional honorees:
🏆 Dr. Maryam Amin – Tier I Research Excellence Award
🏆 Dr. Prasanna Neelakantan – Tier II Research Excellence Award

Photo: left to right - Dr. Amin and Dr. Neelakantan