The Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry: Winnipeg’s Best-Kept Secret

By: Donovan Martin Sr, Editor in Chief

If you’ve ever tried to find a new dental office in Winnipeg, you know how frustrating that can be. You make the calls, check online, and hear the same familiar words: “We’d love to take new patients, but we’re booking months in advance.” For anyone who’s ever needed care quickly, that’s not exactly comforting.

That was the situation I found myself in recently. I had a good practitioner, but the location was too far. I wanted something closer, something convenient. After calling around and getting nowhere, I remembered a conversation from years ago. Both my sister and brother had mentioned the university’s dental clinic at the Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry. They’d gone there before and spoke highly of it. So, I decided to give them a call.

To my surprise, they were not only taking new patients—they were happy to schedule me right away. And that phone call turned into one of the best decisions I’ve made for my health. Twice now, I’ve visited the college for treatment, and both times the experience has been nothing short of first-class.

From the moment you step through the doors, you realize this isn’t just a teaching facility. It’s a fully functioning, professional dental clinic—modern, organized, and efficient. Students from first year through graduate levels work directly with patients, performing everything from cleanings and fillings to extractions and crowns. Every procedure is done under the careful eye of seasoned instructors who are licensed professionals themselves. These mentors oversee every step, ensuring accuracy, safety, and the highest standards of care.

It’s a system that benefits everyone involved. The students get invaluable real-world experience. The instructors ensure quality control and guide each procedure. And the patients—people like me—get thorough, professional, and affordable care that rivals any private practice in the city.

What impressed me immediately was the size and sophistication of the college. It’s massive—a complete dental ecosystem nestled in the heart of Winnipeg’s Bannatyne campus. You can feel the energy and purpose in the air. Rooms filled with students and instructors working together, advanced technology humming quietly in the background, and an environment that radiates precision and pride.

And the best part? The time of your appointment is the time of your appointment. That might sound simple, but it’s a rare thing these days. If they schedule you for 8:30, you’re in the chair at 8:30. Both of my visits started exactly when they were supposed to. There was no half-hour wait, no idle time flipping through magazines. It’s respect for your time, and that alone sets a standard many private clinics could learn from.

What also stood out was how detailed the care was. The students are incredibly thorough, carefully reviewing every part of your mouth, explaining what they’re doing, and double-checking their findings with supervisors before proceeding. There’s no rush. Every action feels deliberate, thoughtful, and precise. It’s learning in motion, and as a patient, you can sense how much they care about getting it right.

Beyond that, the diversity of expertise inside those walls is extraordinary. The supervising doctors come from all over the world—Asia, Europe, the Caribbean, Africa, and right here in Canada. That mix of international experience gives Winnipeg and Manitoba’s dental students something special: exposure to a global level of knowledge and technique. You can feel that influence in the way they approach their work—careful, methodical, but also creative and adaptive. It’s not just about filling a cavity or cleaning your teeth; it’s about understanding the science and art behind every smile.

The Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry has been part of the University of Manitoba for decades, fully accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada. It trains hundreds of students each year through its Doctor of Dental Medicine program and a wide range of graduate and specialty clinics, including orthodontics, prosthodontics, oral surgery, and pediatric care. It also operates outreach clinics, such as the Access Downtown Dental Clinic, which serves underserved populations and reflects the college’s commitment to community care.

One of the biggest advantages, of course, is the cost. Because the work is performed by students under supervision, fees are considerably lower than at most private clinics. You still receive excellent care—often on newer equipment and using the latest research-backed techniques—but at a fraction of the price. And for those covered under the Canadian Dental Care Plan, that difference can mean full coverage with no out-of-pocket expenses. For seniors, families, and individuals on fixed incomes, that’s a game changer.

There’s also something refreshing about the atmosphere. The students are eager to learn and genuinely care about their patients. The instructors balance professionalism with patience, guiding the next generation without ever making the patients feel like part of a lesson. The communication is clear, the service is personable, and the results speak for themselves.

Of course, a teaching environment runs on a different rhythm than a private clinic. Appointments may take a little longer, and not every case can be accepted immediately, depending on training schedules or complexity. But those trade-offs are more than reasonable. What you get in return is care that’s meticulous, accessible, and delivered by people who are passionate about their craft.

After both of my visits, I left impressed—not just by the treatment I received, but by the professionalism and sense of purpose that runs through the place. It reminded me what healthcare can look like when it’s done right: on time, affordable, and centered around people who truly care.

For anyone in Winnipeg tired of waiting months for an appointment or struggling with rising dental costs, this is an alternative worth exploring. The Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry isn’t just a school—it’s one of the most efficient and patient-focused dental facilities in the province. The fact that so few people talk about it is part of what makes it feel like a hidden gem.

I discovered it because my sister and brother mentioned it years ago. I’ve been twice now, and both experiences were consistent: professional, timely, and thorough. The students were attentive, the supervising doctors were outstanding, and the results were excellent. It’s one of those rare places where everyone benefits—the students, the instructors, and the patients.

So if you’ve been waiting for months to see a practitioner or worried about what it might cost, call the college. You’ll find a welcoming team, world-class oversight, and an experience that will make you wonder why more people haven’t already discovered it.

The Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry may still be one of Winnipeg’s best-kept secrets—but it deserves to be known.