‘A new future’: city dentist Cholakis donates $2M to school of dental hygiene

Dental hygienist training in Manitoba is set to benefit from a significant boost, thanks to a $2-million donation from local dentist Ernest Cholakis. The generous gift, announced Thursday, marks the largest ever received by the University of Manitoba’s Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry’s dental hygiene program. In recognition of this major funding, the program will henceforth be known as the Cholakis School of Dental Hygiene.

The donation was unveiled at a ceremony held at the University of Manitoba’s Brodie Centre, attended by the benefactor, Premier Wab Kinew, and current students of the three-year program.

Dr. Cholakis, a 1982 graduate of the U of M’s dentistry school, expressed his optimism about the future of the dental hygiene profession. He highlighted the role dental hygienists can play in healthcare, outreach, communication, and serving Indigenous communities and underserved areas within the province. Cholakis' contribution will support innovative teaching, enhance teaching and clinical spaces on campus, and expand community-based oral-health offerings.

By connecting students with patients in underserved communities, the program aims to address oral health issues that are often overlooked in broader discussions about improving Manitobans' overall health.

Mary Bertone, the director of the school, emphasized the importance of dental hygiene as a primary health-care provider for many patients. She pointed out that oral health plays a crucial role in managing conditions like diabetes and heart disease, and impacts overall well-being. Despite its significance, oral health is often undervalued and under-addressed. By supporting the Cholakis School of Dental Hygiene, Cholakis hopes to send a clear message that this work is vital to the health and well-being of Manitobans.