The newest dentists and dental hygienists to graduate from the Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry received their degrees on May 16 at the afternoon Spring Convocation ceremony on the Bannatyne campus.
At the ceremony, Dr. Anastasia Kelekis-Cholakis, dean of the Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry, commended the graduating students on their persistence and hard work during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“You have worked during a pandemic under very challenging circumstances and are finally here to celebrate,” Kelekis-Cholakis told the 35 doctor of dental medicine graduates (seven were in the International Dentist Degree Program (IDDP) and 24 School of Dental Hygiene graduates.
Dr. Dale Porth said that completing his dentistry degree was a whirlwind of emotions.
“I’ve been a student for the last 10 years, so having everything come to an end is almost like an unreal moment, but I’m just trying to soak it all in and enjoy it,” said Porth, who grew up in Winnipeg and his family is from Sioux Valley Dakota Nation.
Dr. Ayodeji Omotayo said he had a great experience at the Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry.
“I came in here as a dentist, but I’m leaving here as a super dentist,” said Omotayo, who practiced dentistry in Nigeria before coming to Canada and entering UM’s IDDP. “Someone has refined you, has taken all those things you’ve learnt and polished you up. I’m leaving here with gratitude that I’ve received this education.”
When dental hygiene graduate Olivia Rodriguez crossed the stage to receive her parchment, she was thinking that it wasn’t the end but a new beginning.
“It’s just the start,” said Rodriguez, who will be working at a dental clinic in Winnipeg. “This is the beginning of a whole new life.”
