Reyce Cochrane was excited when he put on his white coat at the Opening Assembly for the Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry and the School of Dental Hygiene on Sept. 5.

He thought about how hard he worked to get into dental school and how it all paid off. His inspiration to work tirelessly in school came from his grandfather, Harold Cochrane.

“Even though my grandpa had a terrible experience with residential school, he still realized that education was the key to success and that’s really been my motivation,” the first-year dental student said.

Reyce, who grew up in Winnipeg, wanted to be a dentist since he was a child. His path was set in Grade 9 when he job shadowed his neighbour. The dentist’s ability to change someone’s life impressed him. He was also attracted to the profession because dentists work with their hands.