Convocation spotlight: Dentistry '23 grad Graeden Winkelaar

Dentistry '23 grad Graeden Winkelaar. Photo supplied.

What initially drew you to this area of study?

I always knew I wanted to be a dentist. For as long as I can remember, I have loved science, working with my hands and problem-solving on the fly. I realized a career in dentistry would be the ideal combination of those core elements. The profession offers the chance to operate at the frontier of scientific innovation and apply unique skill sets to help people in meaningful ways. On those most challenging days, I find myself thinking back to this exact question, along with the realization of how fortunate I am to have found a career I truly enjoy.

What achievement, accomplishment or moment are you most proud of from your time in the program?

It's difficult to identify a single moment. The most satisfying moments I had in the program were certainly all centred around treating patients. For a lot of dental procedures, there is instant gratification when treatment is completed. Whether it's someone who wants to improve the esthetics of their smile or someone who comes in for an emergency visit due to pain, one appointment is often all that is needed to make a night-and-day difference. Building rapport with patients through those visits and seeing them for continued comprehensive care is extremely gratifying.

What was the biggest challenge you faced?

I found the biggest challenge to be finding the energy and motivation to study at the end of the day. A full day of lectures, lab work and treating patients is physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausting. The last thing I could bring myself to do after an eight-hour day of dentistry was come home and study more dentistry. It took me a while to strike the right balance between studying and decompressing for the sake of my mental health.

How did you stay motivated and who helped you keep going when things got tough?

The best thing I found to stay motivated was to channel feelings of stress, frustration and negativity into healthy outlets. For me, playing guitar was the primary outlet and conduit for catharsis. I also came to appreciate the value of my identity outside of school and made a point of taking the time to frequently engage in unrelated activities and friendships. On a similar note, I am lucky enough to have a strong support network in the city. At the worst of times, I could always turn to my wonderful fiancée, family and friends. Without them, I would have struggled considerably more throughout the last four years.

What advice would you give to a student thinking of entering this program of study/specialization?

The DDS program has a competitive admission process. I had to apply multiple times before I got in. There were a few moments in those earlier years when I thought I might give up, and I started planning out an alternate career path. However, I learned that perseverance is key. If it's something you truly want to pursue, do not let a few failures along the way discourage you. The reward is well worth the wait.

What have you learned about yourself, and how will you use this going forward?

Dental school came with its fair share of stresses and challenges. I learned that even in the most bleak of circumstances, I can always find a reason to laugh. In every situation, there's a joke hiding that can act as a great stress reset if you can find it. Laughing will always make me feel better. I know the future will present many trials and tribulations. I hope I can greet them all with a grin.

What comes next for you in your career/academic journey?

I was fortunate enough to find an associate position at a wonderful clinic in downtown Edmonton. I am incredibly excited to start this next chapter of my professional career and to continue refining and expanding my clinical skills. After so many years of being a student, I am grateful for the opportunity to give back to the city and community that helped me realize this goal.