UM dental college provides ‘five-star’ service

Mike Wesa was so happy with the care he received at the Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry that his wife suggested he write a Google review, something he’d never done before.  

So, he gave it a shot and left a five-star review.  

“I live an hour from the city, and even with the travel, I would highly recommend the dental college to everyone,” reads Wesa’s review.  

The 59-year-old from Grunthal, Man., about 69 km south of Winnipeg, made the trip back and forth eight times. Appointments were for assessments, to have teeth pulled and for denture fittings.  

Wesa said he received his first set of dentures at an excellent price.  

“My sister has been in the dental field for 30 years, and she told me that nobody in the city can beat the price I’m getting,” Wesa said in an interview at the UM dental college.  

At the college clinic, dental and dental hygiene students care for patients under the supervision of practicing dentists and dental hygienists. It can cost up to 50 per cent less than private practice fees and the college accepts the Canadian Dental Care Plan.

No surprises, just great service

In his review, Wesa pointed out that appointments can take longer than at a community clinic because instructors check the students’ work at every step.  

“I tell everyone it takes a little bit longer, but you have to remember, you have somebody learning skills. We all have to learn somewhere, so you just have to be a little bit patient. And again, I think the cost outweighs the speed,” he said.  

Wesa also appreciated that he knew exactly what he was getting into at every step of the process.  

“Like I said in my review, you agree upon something, you sign, it’s like a contract. So, there’s nothing surprising that happens afterwards. That’s what I enjoyed,” Wesa said.  

‘A big thank you’

Wesa had rave reviews for Hashim Abidullah, the fourth-year dental student who worked on his dentures.  

In the review, Wesa wrote, “A big thank you to Hashim, who very patiently did the forming and building of the molds to create the plates.”  

Wesa said Abidullah was wonderful and they had a great relationship.  

“I don’t know where he’s going to go and practice, but I’ll definitely send people his way when he gets out in the field,” Wesa said.  

Abidullah wasn’t expecting the praise.  

“You know, you just do the work, do whatever is best for the patient, and you never expect a review like that. It was the sweetest review,” Abidullah said.  

Not only did Wesa thank Abidullah in his review, but he praised the student who first provided an assessment, Brett Starosilec, the surgery staff who removed his teeth, the instructors and everyone who works behind the scenes to make the clinic run so well.  
 

Student makes instructor proud  

Dr. Manuel Resendes, an instructor of restorative dentistry, supervised Abidullah when he worked with Wesa.  

“When I read the review, my initial thoughts were pride. I was very proud of Hashim. He’s a very conscientious, caring student and here to learn,” Resendes said.

“I know the standards at the college are high. So, when we see that coming through in the care the students provide, it just gives a sense of pride, not just in the student doing well, but also in the college’s mission as a place that is safe, accessible and affordable.”  

Wesa said that not only is he getting excellent service for a great price, but he feels like he’s part of Abidullah’s dental education.  

“If you have the time and patience, get out and give our next generation a chance to hone their skills,” Wesa said.  

“It was just a wonderful experience.”