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Paul Ripley Young Alumnus Award
Finally, the Alumni Association presented Michael P. O’Toole with its 2017 Paul Ripley Young Alumnus Award for achieving exceptional personal and professional success early in his profession. The award is named after Lake State’s first alumni director, who was also in charge of placement and college relations, and taught journalism classes.The 2003 pre-dental/biology graduate has channeled a passion for dentistry into an ongoing career that has improved the lives of patients all over his home province of Ontario, Canada. He presently has an orthodontics practice in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., with partner Kent Floreani.
“Lake Superior State University was the start to a long post-secondary education and provided a huge advantage,” says O’Toole. “LSSU is an ideal-sized university where you can work hard and shine a little brighter.”
As a student at LSSU, O’Toole received a Board of Trustees scholarship earmarked for students from Ontario, an LSSU Faculty Association scholarship, and one of only two undergraduate research grants given at the time. He was recognized for the highest overall grade point average in general chemistry – O’Toole’s minor – and graduated summa cum laude. He was a member of the Alpha Chi national college honor society and a member of LSSU’s Honor Council.
“The ability to form personal relationships with great, enthusiastic professors such as Dr. Marshall Werner was priceless, especially when my future career path often depended on their kind words and guidance,” says O’Toole. “I am most proud of my LSSU degree because it kick-started a wonderful educational and career path that continues to this day.”
O’Toole earned a doctorate of dental services (DDS) from Nova Scotia’s Dalhousie University in 2007. He completed a dental residency at Toronto Sick Children’s Hospital 2007-08 while earning a Masters in Science in Orthodontics from the University of Toronto.
Prior to opening his Sault Ste. Marie practice in 2011, O’Toole worked one year with Bloorview Children’s Rehabilitation Center, two years with Sunnyside Dental Center, two years with the Regional Academy of Dental Hygiene, and four years with the Sioux Lookout Dental Zone in remote communities of northwestern Ontario.
Outside of professional practice, O’Toole researched the role of the dental community in the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea and explored interdisciplinary approaches to the seamless delivery of dental care.
Professional recognition includes a Nova Scotia Dental Association biomaterials award, a United Dental lab award, and the Quintessence award for proficiency. He is an active member of the Sault Ste. Marie Dental Society, the University of Toronto Orthodontic Study Club, and professional associations including the Canadian Association of Orthodontists (CDA), Ontario Association of Orthodontists (OAO), Great Lakes Association of Orthodontists (GLAO), American Association of Orthodontists (AOA), Canadian Dental Association, and Ontario Dental Association.
O’Toole enjoys martial arts in his spare time, and has been a volunteer instructor of Kuk Sool Won at the Family Martial Arts Center in Sault Ste. Marie 1997-2003 and 2011 to the present. He is twice (2000, 2002) men’s black belt grand champion in the Detroit regional martial arts tournament and earned a second-degree black belt in Kuk Sool Won in 2003. He also enjoys fly-fishing, cross-country skiing, and glamping, a style of camping with amenities and resort-style services not usually associated with traditional camping.
O’Toole lives in the Sault with his wife, Melissa, who is a practicing general dentist at Family Dentistry on Bay Street. Both love the outdoors, staying fit, and keeping up with three children, Elizabeth (4), Catherine (2), and Liam (1).
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About the Author
Susan FitzpatrickDirector of Alumni Relations
Susan started working at Lake Superior State University one year after she graduated from Lake State with a bachelor's in English Language and Literature in 1987. She has held various positions for the Foundation and Alumni offices and has been Alumni Director since 2006. In her free time Susan enjoys reading, running, biking, hiking, kayaking and gardening, and cooking as long as someone else cleans up!