Vote for Four Dentists

Dr. Michael Palaszek* (1982 DDS), Grand Rapids, MI

Michael graduated from the University of Michigan in 1982. He started his career on the west side of Grand Rapids and also maintained a satellite office in Cedar Springs. In 1991 he sold the Cedar Springs practice and became a partner at what is now Lake Michigan Dental. Early participation with organized dentistry involved work in the WMDDS Lab/Trade Relations and Peer Review committees. Mike worked his way through the chairs of the Kent County Dental Society, serving as President from 2013-2014. He became a Trustee of the West Michigan Dental Foundation in 2008, serving on the Community Grant and Golf committees, and as President for 2104-2105. In addition, Dr. Palaszek has previously served on the University of Michigan School of Dentistry’s Board of Governors. He was inducted as a Fellow into the American College of Dentists in 2018.

Dr. Jake DeSnyder* (1967 DDS), Plattsburgh, NY

Dr. DeSnyder served in the US Army from 1967-1970. He practiced in Plattsburgh from 1971-2010 and has worked part-time at an Article 28 Clinic from 2011-2019. He has served at all levels of Dentistry including as Chair of NY State and ADA Council on Dental Practice. Dr. DeSnyder has participated in Stateside and International Missions of Mercy. He is a Fellow of the International College and the American College of Dentists.

Dr. William Mason* (1981 DDS, 1984 MS), Saginaw, MI

Dr. Mason is a periodontist practicing in Saginaw since 1984. He attended UM undergrad, BS ’77 and Dental School, DDS ‘81 and MS periodontics ‘84. He is a member of the Dean’s Faculty in the Graduate Periodontics Clinic and has published 11 articles in various journals, 9 in the MDA Journal. He has presented at the Michigan Dental Association Annual Meeting and also on behalf of the Michigan Dental Association. Also, he is a life member of the ADA, MDA and AAP and has served as VP and on peer review for his local Saginaw County Dental Society. He is a member of the Pierre Fauchard Academy and has developed and patented a dental instrument to help alleviate the pain with palatal injections. He has two daughters in dentistry, Dr. Suzanne Mason a periodontist in Traverse City, and Dr. Chelsea Mason a general practitioner in Bay City.

Dr. Scott Szotko (1999 DDS), La Jolla, CA

After graduation, Dr. Szotko worked with the underserved population at Northwest Michigan Community Clinics before entering private practice in 2000. He is past Chair of the New Dentist, Membership and Practice Support Committees at the California Dental Association, a former Delegate from the 13th District to the ADA House of Delegates, and most recently finished a 6 year stint as a Director with the San Diego County Dental Society. After 21 years of practice, Dr. Szotko returned to school at UCSD, Rady School of Management, earning his MBA in August 2022. In 2023, he merged his love of dentistry and passion for helping others, forming One True North LLC, a consulting and executive coaching firm. He continues to support the next generation of dentists with mentorship as they navigate associateships, transitions and business management. Dr. Szotko currently resides in La Jolla, CA and is married to his dental school sweetheart, Kimber Sherlock-Szotko, RDH (‘00, DH). They have two children, Peyton, 13, and Calvin, 8, as well as a 3 year old labradoodle, Fozzie Bear.


Vote for Two Hygienists

Ms. Elizabeth Milewski RDH (2015 BSDH), Ionia, MI

Beth has been active in the dental profession for over 25 years. Currently, she is the instructor of the Healthcare Foundations program at the Ionia County Career Center. She serves on the Committee for Annual Session for the Michigan Dental Association and was past Treasurer of the Michigan Dental Hygienists’ Association. Her professional memberships include Sigma Phi Alpha-Nu Chapter, the American Dental Hygienists’ Association, and the Michigan Education Association.

Christine Farrell (1981 BSDH), Lansing, MI

Christine also received her Dental Hygiene degree from the School of Dentistry in 1981 and her MPA from University of Michigan – Flint in 2006. She has been employed by the MI Dept. of Health and Human Services for 35 years and has been the Oral Health Program Director since 2010. Besides a career of public service, she is adjunct faculty of the UM Master of Dental Hygiene program.

*Incumbent