Our History

• Tim Sumida started the movement by knocking on doors.
• 1st clinic opened in Province by Benny Brotman.
• Oral Tru opened by Tim Sumida.
• Shortage of Dentists during WWII led to Dental Technicians performing relines and repairs on the side; they eventually figured out that they were capable of making complete dentures.
• The Dental Technicians challenged the Dental Act.
• MDA was closing clinics and Denturists were fined for illegal practice of dentistry.

• Public hearings were held and law amendments were made.
• Ed Shreyer was running for Premier of Manitoba and during a call-in show was asked if he was going to legislate the denturists; he said yes.
• Ed Shreyer became Premier in 1969.
• Mary Andree was a public citizen who lobbied for legislation; she was well liked and people listened to her and joined the cause.

• In 1970 the Denturist Act received Royal Assent
• The Denturist Board consisted of 2 dentists, 2 denturists and 1 lay member
• 1st Chairman of the board was Dr. Proctor
• Dentists were no longer required to sit on the board
• Roger Mandziuk is the first graduate of NAIT from Manitoba

• Denturist Act was amended, resulting in self-regulation