Future dental clinics a ‘first-class operation’

Surrounded by concrete and building materials, Dr. Gerald Niznick surveyed the empty space that will house state-of-the-art dental clinics in the building that will carry his and his wife’s names when it opens in 2027.  

Dr. Anastasia Kelekis-Cholakis, dean of the Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry, led Niznick, five of his Class of 1966 classmates, and Dr. Jan Brown from the Class of 1969 on a tour of the third floor of the five-storey building during UM Homecoming on Sept. 18.  

Kelekis-Cholakis pointed out to the group the different areas and features that will be included in the clinics inside the Dr. Gerald and Reesa Niznick Centre. When completed, the dental clinics will cover 33,770 square feet and will be equipped with cutting-edge technology and training spaces.

“We have a massive space,” said Niznick, a prosthodontist and entrepreneur who is renowned for inventing dental implant technologies. “It’s going to be beautiful for patients. It’s going to be a first-class operation, matching anything in the American dental schools.”

In September 2024, Dr. Niznick gave UM a gift of $5 million to support the construction of the dental clinics on the third and fourth floors of the Dr. Gerald and Reesa Niznick Centre. In 2018, the Niznicks made a gift to UM of $7.5 million, which was recognized by naming the dental school the Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry.

Following the tour of the new building, Niznick said he made the right decision to give to the project.  

“I’m very proud that I was able to do it and I think it’s money well spent,” said Niznick, who lives in California and Nevada. 

‘A great education’

Wearing a hard hat and safety glasses, Dr. Bill Budzinski, said he is grateful to have graduated from UM in 1966.  

“We got a great education, and we were told ahead of time that the world was going to change, and we better get on board and help with the changes, but don’t forget to embrace them,” he said. “And that’s been a great success. Our good friend Gerry here is a perfect example of contributing to the change in a big way.” 

Kelekis-Cholakis said it was an amazing experience touring Niznick and his classmates around the building.  

“I’m so excited,” she said. “The space looks beautiful. I can’t wait to see the finished product.”  

The new building will also be home to Ongomiizwin - Indigenous Institute of Health and Healing, new classrooms and laboratory space for UM’s medical college and a childcare centre.

Stephan Deniset, site superintendent with Bockstael Construction, gave the group a building update. He said the structure is complete, they are finalizing a part of the roof, finishing up sealing the outside of the building and are currently framing the interior.

While the building is under construction, the fundraising effort continues.  

“We still haven’t met our $10 million mark,” said Kelekis-Cholakis. “We’re very close at $8.6 million, but this is our final push and the more funds we can raise, the more secure the college will be financially. So, whoever is still willing, please come forward and give a gift because it’s a community effort.”  

When Niznick was asked why it was important for him to invest in Manitoba and UM, he said, “You can take Niznick out of Winnipeg, but you can’t take Winnipeg out of Niznick. This is my hometown.”