Dr. Todd Plexman is a member of the UM dentistry Class of 1992. He worked in Sudbury for 31 years and sold his practice two years ago. He is on the board of directors of the Ontario Dental Association.
What do you value most about your experience at the University of Manitoba dental school?
The quality of education. The close, dear friendships that I formed at that time. Some of my best friends are from dental school and we’ve stayed in close touch, which is good. And I’m thankful for meeting my wife, Charlene, who graduated from U of M’s School of Dental Hygiene in 1986.
Was there a moment in dental school when a professor said something that has really stayed with you and helped you during your career?
I’ll give you two examples of that. At the end of my fourth year, I was contemplating going into a specialty. Dr. Helen Little, who was in charge of our clinical experience, said to me at that time, “It’s hard to find good general practitioners. All the top students tend to go into specialties, so staying in general practice would serve you well.” She thought I had something that would benefit the greater multitude of patients in general practice and that stuck with me.
Number two – Dr. Jack Braun, who taught us removable prosthodontics, that’s dentures and partial dentures, he said to me, “Todd, remember to always take care of the patient. Take care of the patient first and the money will take care of itself.” That was extremely profound.
Those statements had a big impact on me.
Why did you decide to name a double operatory in the Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry’s future main clinic?
I owe my success, my quality of life and where I am today because of the University of Manitoba. The dental school took a chance on me and it’s the least I can do to help pay it forward. I’m honoured to be able to help provide a top-quality facility for future students that the U of M takes a chance on.
Why should others follow your lead and make a gift to the future clinics?
I don’t think I’m alone in being thankful to the university and the Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry for the incredible education and training that we received. Making this investment, we believe is a wonderful way to repay and support the future students and our profession.
To make your contribution, visit our online form or email Brooke.Karlaftis@umanitoba.ca.