Congratulations to the dental hygiene and dentistry graduating classes of 2021 for their hard work, adaptability and forbearance.
This month saw our dental hygiene and dental classes graduating during the COVID-19 pandemic for a second year in a row. We find ourselves unable to attend all the events that mark milestones in the students’ lives such as their graduation formal, the MDA breakfast and the in-person convocation events. Despite this not being the celebration that many of us had imagined, it was encouraging to hear that graduating students expressed tremendous appreciation for the efforts of the university, faculty and staff. It is important to acknowledge the work by our administrators, staff and faculty and to make the college as safe as possible, for both patients and students.
These graduating classes, more than any others, learned the lessons of adaptability, forbearance and appreciation. They were able to navigate successive waves of the COVID-19 pandemic, COVID-19 positive patients and close contacts, while still maintaining the level of care and diligence that was expected of them. While under extremely difficult circumstances, these life lessons will serve them well in their future endeavors. I look forward to virtually applauding the achievements of the classes of 2021, and celebrating these milestones at our first ever remote welcome-to-the-profession ceremony.
As we bid our graduating classes farewell, we will be embarking on our Strategic Plan that includes faculty retreats and consultation with important focus groups, such as our part-time faculty members. These are aimed at identifying our goals and determining the paths towards their achievement. We will also be consulting external stakeholders during this process such as our part time faculty, the College of Dental Hygienists of Manitoba, the Manitoba Dental Association, the University of Manitoba Dental Alumni Association, Shared Health and many others. I look forward collaborating with everyone in the coming months to help draft a map to continue our progress at the Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry.
I want to wish everyone a well-deserved summer break and thank again our students, staff and faculty for the successful and safe completion of another academic year, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Anastasia Kelekis-Cholakis
Dean, Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry