Manitoba’s newest dentists, dental hygienists eager to enter practice
Graduands from the Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry and School of Dental Hygiene took part in the 147th UM Spring Convocation ceremony.
Estimated Read Time:
3 minutes
Dr. Sandra Imazenobe and Dr. Anastasia Kelekis-Cholakis on stage at the 147th UM Spring Convocation ceremony.
Dr. Sandra Imazenobe and Dr. Anastasia Kelekis-Cholakis on stage at the 147th UM Spring Convocation ceremony.
Estimated Read Time:
3 minutes
By
Matthew Kruchak
Dr. Sandra Imazenobe is living up to her name.
The member of the Dentistry Class of 2026 said “Sandra” means helper of humanity.
“I really want to have an impact on people that when they hear or see or speak to me as a dentist, they see that I’m helping,” Imazenobe said.
She was in the Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry’s International Dentist Degree Program (IDDP), which provides internationally trained dentists the opportunity to enter the third year of the four-year doctor of dental medicine program.
Imazenobe, a dental school graduate at the University of Lagos in Nigeria, gave herself five years from the time she immigrated to Canada to gain the credentials needed to practice here. Her plan worked out perfectly.
“When you set a goal for yourself and you take the necessary steps, you can achieve it,” said Imazenobe, who has a job lined up in Ottawa at a private practice.
“I’m really, really happy that I made the University of Manitoba my first choice.”
Congrats Class of 2026
The 147th UM Spring Convocation ceremony took place on the Fort Garry campus on June 1. Graduands from the Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry (29 doctor of dental medicine and seven IDDP) and 25 from the School of Dental Hygiene received their parchments at the event.
“Congratulations to the dentistry Class of 2026,” said Dr. Anastasia Kelekis-Cholakis, dean of the Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry. “Your hard work and determination have paid off. You are now graduates of one of the top dental schools in Canada, and I look forward to seeing you thrive in your dental careers.”
The annual Manitoba Dental Association Graduation Breakfast took place at the RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg on the morning of the Convocation ceremony.
"I commend your hard work and dedication to this program,” said Mary Bertone, director of the School of Dental Hygiene. “You’re leaving with skill, confidence and a perspective on oral health care that is uniquely yours. You are now ready to make a difference in your patients’ lives and to make us proud in your practice.”
Dr. Terrell Okotcha, a member of the Dentistry Class of 2026, didn’t visit the dentist very often growing up. When he was a teenager, he started to notice that he was developing dental problems, and he was self-conscious about his teeth.
During his undergrad, he started working part-time and used his savings to see a dentist. His parents also helped pay for half of the orthodontic work he needed.
“It’s kind of cliché, but it did change my life, so to speak, in terms of my confidence and just feeling good overall,” said Okotcha, who was born and raised in Winnipeg.
Dr. Terrell Okotcha and Dr. Anastasia Kelekis-Cholakis
He wanted to become a dentist to help people the way oral health professionals aided him.
“If I could have a similar effect that dentists had on me, and change people’s lives, it was something I wanted to do,” said Okotcha, who has a position lined up working in two Winnipeg dental offices.
“Secondly, I wanted to bring more oral health awareness to my community. I’m part Nigerian, part Caribbean, and I wanted to be able to give back to my own community and spread oral health awareness to newcomer Canadians.”
Inspired to make an impact
Jasleen Sanghera, a member of the Dental Hygiene Class of 2026, was working as an early childhood educator when she realized she wanted a career change.
Dental hygienists would visit the centre she worked at, and their work inspired her to apply to UM’s School of Dental Hygiene.
“I saw the impact the dental hygienists made on the kids and their families, and I wanted to do the same,” said Sanghera, who immigrated to Canada 10 years ago from India.
Jasleen Sanghera and Mary Bertone
She now plans to work in public health. She has applied to the Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry’s clinical apprenticeship program in community oral health and dental public health.
“I’ve seen the impact that oral health care makes in society, and I’ve always had the drive to want to make an impact,” she said.
Sanghera said the School of Dental Hygiene has prepared her for her career.
“I have a good grasp of the foundational knowledge which I can build on,” she said.
Watch the 147th UM Spring Convocation on Fort Garry campus:
UM Bisons are at the centre of it all, making a difference here in Manitoba and around the world. Many graduates recognized at Convocation will stay in Manitoba, supplying high-demand skills to the labour market and contributing to UM’s economic impact on our community.
