Vernice Griffin

Degrees

• Bachelors in Psychology, University of Kentucky
• Associates in Applied Science and Dental Laboratory Technology, Lexington Community College

Biography

Vernice Griffin, RG, BA, CDT and clinical affiliate instructor, joined the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry in August 2021. She is a:

• Recognized graduate of an accredited dental technology program,
• a Certified Dental Technician with the National Board for Certification of Dental Laboratory Technology,
• and the owner of Griffin Dental Laboratories located at the Renaissance Center in Detroit, Michigan.

Prior to coming to the School of Dentistry, she was a member of the National Association of Dental Laboratories (NADL), she passed jurisprudence and held licenses with the Texas Board of Dental Examiners and Kentucky Board of Dentistry and she served on the Dental Lab Technology Board. Griffin worked in small and large dental labs, dental practices chairside and with a materials and equipment manufacturer from Unna, Germany. She was a guest speaker to dental lab students and has lectured to dental faculty and students. She is well-versed in dental technology, digital dentistry, 3D printing, milling, desktop scanning, designing and intra oral scanning.

Griffin is the great-granddaughter of George and Goldie Norman. Her rich heritage of Old Settlers of Mecosta and Isabella counties in Michigan is documented in the U.S. Library of Congress. She finds joy in returning with her daughter to Michigan where a large majority of her family resides, and she often finds herself participating in various community and family activities. From her Norman and Old Settlers reunions to exploring all the different facets of Michigan, by helicopter, boat, slingshot, driving or walking, she is rediscovering all that Michigan has to offer. She loves spending time with her daughter Cheyanne, going to the beach, attending dental courses, going Detroit Pistons basketball games, exploring downtown Detroit, looking at houses, going to the mall, reading and going up north to spend time with her family and friends.

Griffin attributes her opportunity to relocate back home to Michigan after being away for the past 30 years to the School of Dentistry for reaching out and asking her to share her knowledge in dentistry by becoming a clinical affiliate instructor.

"They really understand that the best-kept secret is the people," Griffin said.

Griffin was once told by a teacher at Levey Middle School in Southfield, "it's okay that you are leaving to go to Kentucky because you never know you might have to come home and teach others." She carried those words with her all these years until she made her return to Detroit. She said the best part is the people here; they all motivate her to put her best foot forward.

"They all care about each other and each others' success no matter how far everyone goes," she said. "They have developed a core that will expand knowledge to every part of the world and perhaps they will one day go home and do what I was allowed to do."

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