Giving back: Dr. Kristin Yont on legacy, gratitude, and supporting the next generation

For Dr. Kristin Yont (DMD '98), giving back to the College of Dentistry at USask is about more than generosity, it's about gratitude, purpose, and shaping a better future for the profession she loves.

“The practice of dentistry is both challenging and rewarding, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunities it has provided for me and my family,” Yont shares. “Now feels like the right time to give back because I want to contribute to the College’s momentum, to help support the next generation of professionals and ensure others can benefit from the same opportunities that shaped my own journey.”

Dr. Yont has watched with admiration as the College has evolved in recent years. Under the leadership of Dean Dr. Walter Siqueira, she notes, the College has gained global recognition and redefined itself with a forward-looking vision. That sense of progress, and the community's commitment to connection and pride, was a key influence in her decision to give.

Her own journey began in the late 1990s, shaped by the experience of being part of a close-knit class, learning in an environment where small class sizes fostered deep relationships with professors and peers alike.

“The hands-on clinical experience gave me the confidence and skill set necessary to transition seamlessly into professional practice,” she says. “But beyond academics, the friendships I formed with my classmates became invaluable, creating a network of support that continues to enrich my personal and professional journey.”

Today, as both a dental professional and an educator in stress management and resiliency training, Dr. Yont has a unique perspective on the pressures that dental students face. Her donation to the College is helping launch a wellness initiative focused on building student resilience, a resource she wishes had been available during her time in dental school.

“When I was in dental school, stress management was never formally taught. I had to learn how to navigate the challenges of the profession by diving straight into the fire,” she recalls. “Today, science affirms the vital role of resilience in overall well-being. My hope is that this initiative will provide students with the tools and resources they need to foster resilience, maintain their well-being, and enter the profession feeling confident and supported.”

Her message to fellow alumni is clear: giving back isn’t only about dollars, it’s about meaning, legacy, and making a difference.

“In recent years, my focus has shifted: From ambition to meaning, from personal success to the legacy I hope to leave behind,” she reflects. “Giving isn’t just about financial support; it’s about helping shape the future and ensuring that the next generation has the opportunities they need to thrive.”

One of the most powerful lessons Dr. Yont has carried with her came not from the clinic but from a personal growth course: the idea of giving freely, without attachment to outcome. “Over time, I have come to realize that the more I give, the richer my life feels,” she says. “True generosity comes from the heart, and the joy it brings is often the greatest gift of all.”

In supporting wellness and resilience among dental students, Dr. Yont is helping to shape a healthier, stronger future for the profession, and reminding us of the profound impact that giving back can have, not just on others, but on ourselves.