April 9, 2025 — An exciting initiative unfolded recently as the first-ever oral cancer screening pop-up clinic took place on the Fort Garry campus, drawing in a crowd of eager participants.

Among those who rushed to sign up was Alexandra Moya, a dedicated lab assistant in the microbiology department. "I couldn't pass up the chance to check my oral health," Moya expressed. She praised the clinic staff, stating, "The dentist and assistant were so kind and informative throughout the entire process." After her screening, Moya felt an enormous sense of relief knowing her oral health was in check.

On March 27, the Fireplace Lounge in UMSU University Centre transformed into a bustling clinic, where acclaimed oral pathologists and dental residents from the Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry provided screenings for an impressive 219 people.

Organized by the dedicated Dr. Vimi Mutalik and Dr. Mohamad-Hasan Kadhim, this event was a significant success that exceeded all expectations. Dr. Mutalik noted, "The turnout was phenomenal! We aimed to raise awareness about oral cancer, especially since many cases remain asymptomatic until it's too late. It's vital for people to recognize that lesions can grow unnoticed in their mouths."

Beyond awareness, the pop-up clinic also served as a valuable learning experience for dental students and residents. Aspirational dental hygiene student Elisabeth Fust volunteered to expand her knowledge and collaborate closely with the experts. "I wanted hands-on experience in recognizing oral lesions to enhance my future diagnoses in private practice," Fust explained.

Periodontics resident Paul Klassen described the unique challenges of hosting such an event in a non-traditional setting. "We had to adapt quickly since we weren't using our usual dental chairs. It required some creativity to provide thorough examinations while ensuring patient comfort," Klassen shared. Notably, the patients expressed gratitude, enthusiastically receiving valuable advice and insights.

This remarkable pop-up clinic not only achieved its goal of screening a large number of individuals but also fostered a sense of community and education around oral health. As word spreads, the hope is that more such initiatives will arise, encouraging proactive health checks and awareness in our communities.