DISTINGUISHED ALUMNA IN DENTISTRY AWARD
Monica Dwyer Hebl, D.D.S., Dent ’85
Wauwatosa, Wis.
Monica equates success with the core Marquette value of cura personalis, caring for the whole person. Working in private practice in Milwaukee provides Monica the daily opportunity to care for people from all walks of life while also maintaining a practice that supports the Burleigh Dental family of employees.
Monica works tirelessly to improve access to dental care for patients in underserved communities, in addition to lobbying efforts and activities with one-on-one communication with patients. She is thrilled when she can ease the fears of those who have had little exposure to dental care. Her gold standard is transforming entire families into healthy patients who understand the value of regular care. Monica credits her Marquette education with fostering her willingness to serve, building a foundation of excellence and instilling a love of lifelong learning.
When she isn’t in the office, Monica can be found living out the Marquette mission in many different ways, whether coaching youth basketball, serving as a lector at St. Vincent Pallotti, traveling on mission trips in the U.S. and Haiti, or serving in leadership roles in various professional organizations, including the American Dental Association, Wisconsin Dental Association, Greater Milwaukee Dental Association, American College of Dentists, International College of Dentists, Pierre Fauchard Academy and The Dental Forum Study Club.
Although surprised and humbled by her award, Monica feels receiving it will encourage her to keep working toward her goals. She says, “I hope it serves as an example that a commitment to service over a lifetime provides value to our imperfect world.”
Fun Facts:
Name someone with whom you’d like to have dinner.
I would love to have dinner with my first and best mentor, my mother. Since that is not possible, I would have dinner with proteges past and present. I have learned so much from their reverse mentoring and enjoy spending time with them. Their enthusiastic energy is contagious.
Name a Marquette faculty member who had an impact on you.
Dr. Hugh Murdoch. He had a quiet, calm demeanor, which was extremely helpful during stressful clinic appointments. One of my favorite memories also involves him. We had heavy instrument cases we had to move around the clinics depending on the patient’s needs. I was pregnant and close to delivering, so I left the open case on the floor. Dr. Murdoch kindly lifted it up on the counter, not realizing it was open. When he lifted it, every drawer and instrument fell out on the floor, making quite a clatter. Dr. Murdoch didn’t like drawing attention to himself — I’ve never seen an instructor move so fast.