the producers wanted a Nova Scotia dentist to demonstrate tooth whitening on camera. Another time, Dr. Carr and Jennex brought a wheelbarrow carrying 88-pounds of sugar onto the set of “Breakfast Television” to demonstrate how much sugar the average Canadian consumed in a year. “She did everything asked of her at NSDA basically, served in every conceivable role,” Jennex says. “No one works harder than Heather.” Dr. Stuart MacDonald, who now represents Nova Scotia on the CDA Board of Directors, worked with Dr. Carr often when she was president of the NSDA and he was vicepresident. “Heather is a direct and action-oriented leader, but she is also a good listener and thoughtfully considers the perspectives and opinions of others,” says MacDonald. “I really enjoy organized dentistry,” says Dr. Carr. “I’m a true extravert. I thrive when I’m busy and surrounded by people.” Outside of Dentistry For several years, Dr. Carr participated in multi-day bicycle rides to raise money for a Multiple Sclerosis charity. In her mid-30s, Dr. Carr took up kayaking as a Cheema Master. “Competitions took me right across Canada, toWashington, D.C. and eventually the Worlds Master Games in Torino, Italy,” she says. In her 40s, she decided to learn how to ski with Chelsea and Evan. “I found that I enjoyed skiing so now I have a place in Wentworth where I love to spend time in the winter with friends and family,” she says. She’s currently learning to golf and is a member at Oakfield Golf Club. Dr. Carr and her partner John Ormsby, a retired Canadian Air Force service member, enjoy traveling together. “Our first trip together was to NewYork and our return flights got completely mixed up and we ended up being in transit for over 30 hours. We could’ve driven home in less time,” she says. “John said, ‘If we can survive that together, we can survive anything.’ And now when we travel, we know that unexpected challenges can be met because we’re facing them together.” The couple often attends dental events around the world together. “For the last twelve years, his love and support has made it possible for me to do the work that I do for my patients and the profession,” she says. Dr. Carr’s house is situated next to Lake Fletcher outside of Halifax and she likes to spend time on her dock, usually with friends and family. Her children threw her a 60th birthday party on a beautiful day in her backyard. Dr. Carr said it was heartwarming to see people from the various parts of her life together in one place. “My dentist friends, my childhood friends, my dental school friends, my ski friends, my kayaking friends,” she said. “And my family, of course.” Dr. Carr’s sisters are all very accomplished in their respective fields and, after living and working in other provinces and countries, have returned to Nova Scotia. “My mom lives nearby, and both my adult kids are building their careers here,” she says. “I feel very lucky.” With her partner John Ormsby at the FDI World Dental Congress in Argentina. Leading CDA “I’m excited and honoured to serve my profession during this historic time in Canadian dentistry,” says Dr. Carr. After several challenging years of living through the pandemic, she feels that now is the time for dental communities across the nation to come together. “Each province and territory is unique and the dentists in each area have their own needs, but I truly believe that we’re stronger as a profession together. And I love bringing people together.” The profession is diverse, and Dr. Carr believes such diversity is a real strength. “Having people with different ideas working towards a common goal will provide dentistry with the best possible solutions. Diverse ideas and opinions are how innovation happens,” she says. Training for Masters at Melbourne Beach, Florida. CDA President 2023–24 21 Issue 3 | 2023 |
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