Meet Our Dentists
Dr. Robert BlackwellDr. Robert Blackwell, DDS, received his dental degree from the University of Illinois College of Dentistry and completed a General Practice Residency at Michael Reese Hospital and Medical Center in Chicago. He is chair of the Department of Graduate Education and director of implant dentistry at the SIU School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Blackwell enjoys traveling and playing golf in his free time.
Dr. Bret GruenderDr. Bret Gruender, DMD, is a 1982 graduate of SIUE and a 1986 graduate of the SIU School of Dental Medicine. He practiced dentistry in Highland, Ill., for 30 years before retiring from private practice in 2016. A former adjunct faculty member, Dr. Gruender now teaches restorative and implant dentistry in the Department of Clinical Dentistry at the School. In his free time, Dr. Gruender enjoys spending time with his family, cooking, playing guitar and outdoor recreation.
Dr. Mohamed OmranDr. Mohamed Omran, BDS, MSC, has been with the SIU School of Dental Medicine since 2009. He completed his periodontal residency program in 2012 at Saint Louis University. Subsequently, he completed his implant fellowship program in 2013 at the SIU School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Omran is committed to a personalized treatment plan for each and every patient to obtain a healthy smile. In his free time, Dr. Omran enjoys playing soccer, traveling and spending time with his wife and three children.
Dr. Jasbir UpadhyayaDr. Jasbir Upadhyaya graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree from India in 1997. She practiced general dentistry for 10 years before moving to Canada in 2008 for higher education. Upon completion of a PhD program, she joined a residency program in Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology at the University of Florida. Soon after graduation in 2018, Dr. Upadhyaya joined the SIU School of Dental Medicine as an Assistant Professor. She is a diplomate of the American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology. In her free time, Dr. Upadhyaya enjoys spending time with her family, traveling and listening to music.
Dr. Alan WickenhauserDr. Alan Wickenhauser, DMD, is a 1998 graduate of SIU School of Dental Medicine. He practiced dentistry in Bethalto, IL, for 24 years before retiring from private practice in 2022. Dr. Wickenhauser now teaches restorative dentistry as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Restorative Dentistry. In his free time, Dr. Wickenhauser enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, and outdoor recreation.
