Reunion Reflections: A Q&A with DDS 7T6 alum Dr. Peter Tonisson

Peter Tonisson is a proud DDS 7T6 alum who has spent five decades staying connected to his classmates. We caught up with him as he reflects on the meaning of this milestone reunion and the experiences that shaped his career.

As you prepare for this upcoming reunion, what does this milestone mean to you personally?
The old adage that “time flies” has never been truer. It’s hard to believe that 50 years have passed since graduation. While faces may have changed, the memories remain, and it will be fascinating to see the years melt away as we reconnect.

When you reflect on your time at U of T Dentistry, what memories stand out most?
It always comes down to the people, the friendships I formed, learning to work under pressure, and sharing a lot of laughs along the way. That intensity was easy to embrace in our twenties. One reality check, though, was the early passing of my lab partner, Dennis Tarasuk, who I still think about all these years later.

How did your experience at the Faculty shape your professional path after graduation?
Because I had completed some coursework before entering the DDS program, I was able to defer a few courses in my first two years. I used that extra time to volunteer with the Dental Students’ Society, which helped me get to know several members of the Faculty. One mentor, Don Woodside, then Head of Orthodontics, connected me with Sandy Macgregor, a retiring dentist and former Head of Paediatric Dentistry. After graduation, I purchased Sandy’s paediatric practice and went on to establish a full family general practice.

What inspired you to take an active role in bringing classmates together again?
With some extra time on my hands I became class president in first year, not realizing there was an unwritten contract that never let me step away from that responsibility. Since then, with the help of others, I’ve been involved in organizing every five-year reunion.

What are you most looking forward to as you reconnect with members of your class?
Seeing everyone again and reflecting on our shared experiences. A lot of water has passed under those bridges, and it’s always meaningful to compare where life has taken each of us.

What would you say to classmates who may be undecided about attending the reunion?
Given the realities of time and health, this may be one of our last major reunions. While I understand that not everyone can attend in person, there are still ways to participate, including contributing to our class reunion fund as a lasting gesture of connection.

Looking back, what continues to make you proud to be part of the U of T Dentistry alumni community?
It’s inspiring to see how much the Faculty has evolved since our time as students. Dentistry has changed tremendously over the past 50 years, and U of T Dentistry has consistently been at the forefront, leading the way. I’ve never been prouder to be a dentist or a graduate of this Faculty.