Volume 7 • 2020 • Issue 5

Remembering Dentistry Leaders Dr. PatriciaGrassick D r . P atricia (P atti ) G rassick of L umsden , SK, passed away on M arch 14. S he was 68 years old . D r. Grassick first trained as a dental assistant, therapist and hygienist. For 12 years, she worked in private practices and taught dental auxiliaries at the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technologies, until she applied to the College of Dentistry at the University of Saskatchewan. Dr. Grassick became the first dental auxiliary without a preliminary degree to be admitted to the College of Dentistry, thanks to her exceptional abilities and potential. She obtained her DMD in 1990. She practised general dentistry in Regina and established a dental clinic in Lumsden with Dr. Lynne Kozicki-Belyk, where she practised full time until her retirement in 2018. Dr. Grassick believed in the value of mentorship. Throughout her career, she mentored foreign-trained dentists for qualification in Canada, dental students every summer, recent graduates and colleagues. She also supervised dental students in remote Northern Saskatchewan communities, a region that was close to her heart. Dr. Grassick was very active in organized dentistry. In 1998, she became president of the Regina and District Dental Society. She also served as the first female president (2002–03) and the first female registrar (2004–05) of the College of Dental Surgeons of Saskatchewan (CDSS), during which she developed an interest in the regulatory side of the profession. Dr. Grassick received the CDSS Distinguished Service Award in 2013. “Dr.Grassick gave a lot to thedental profession inSaskatchewan,” says Dr. Mitch Taillon, CDSS registrar and CDA past-president. “I had the good fortune of joining the CDSS council when Patti was president, and she was a voice of reason, common sense and unwavering commitment to her profession. Patti will be missed by many in the dental family.” In 2004, Dr. Grassick became a fellow in the Pierre Fauchard Academy. In 2005, she was inducted into the Canadian Section of the International College of Dentistry (ICD). After having served as deputy regent and regent for the Saskatchewan District for many years, Dr. Grassick was elected president of the ICD Canadian Section in 2018-19 and was granted life fellowship in 2019. “Patti and I had an instant bond from the moment we met in dental school,” remembers close friend and colleague Dr. Maureen Lefebvre. “As female dentists managing private practices, we had much in common. We were a support system for each other as dentists, businesswomen, CDSS council members and, of course, moms, our most cherished role.” Dr. Lefebvre remembers how Dr. Grassick was an inspiration to many female dentists (including herself) and encouraged others to get involved and have a voice. “I had the privilege of working with Patti on the CDSS council/executive and as ICD District 3 representatives. We co‑chaired numerous provincial conventions, attended many national conventions together representing Saskatchewan and building lifelong friendships with colleagues across the country. Patti’s perseverance and determination were unwavering despite the progression of cancer and her challenging chemotherapy treatments. Her courage and grace will forever be an inspiration to me.” In addition to her many career achievements, Dr. Grassick was a great dancer and a talented singer. She also loved DIY home projects, gardening and ranching. Dr. Grassick is survived by her husband George; her children Jennifer, Amanda and John “Jack”; her stepchildren, Frankie-Lou and Jesse-James; and many grandchildren and extended family members. O bituaries 34 | 2020 | Issue 5