Dr. Heather Carr president@cda-adc.ca The Strengthof Relationships This spring, representatives from many of Canada’s dental organizations came together at the CDA Annual General Meeting in Winnipeg, Manitoba, hosted in-person for the first time since 2019. Connecting with these colleagues and friends again made me realize how important it is to gather as a professional community. The best connections and most successful exchanges happen when we assemble and share our ideas and perspectives. The past few years have presented all of us with unprecedented change, which has created both challenges and opportunities for dentistry. I’m a practising dentist in Nova Scotia; the pandemic and its aftermath have been by far the most complicated time of my career. New federal funding for dental care is another historical change that has the potential to improve the lives of millions of Canadians, but it also presents risks and benefits to the oral health care system at large. For instance, many dental practices are experiencing staff shortages that could impede their ability to provide care for their patients, including those who qualify for the new Canada Dental Benefit. As CDA navigates this ever-changing landscape, we know that every decision made by the CDA Board of Directors can have repercussions on dentists across the country. Ultimately, these dentists must be the focus of our efforts and we try to recognize that dentists’ needs are unique and reflective of regional differences. As my installation as CDA president was approaching, I reflected on how CDA, as the national voice of dentistry, can best represent and support such a diverse profession. I believe one of the most important steps is to come together and work as one. We know that we are stronger together and that we have many common goals. Along these lines, CDA will continue to strengthen relationships with our provincial and territorial partners along with our global colleagues, while holding true to our principles. Like the meetings in Winnipeg, coming together and sharing our individual perspectives and experiences can help strengthen the profession as a whole. During my career, I have found that there are very few problems that can’t be solved by good communication, respect and a commitment to a mutually beneficial result. As CDA has worked closely with the federal government over the past year, we bring this spirit of collaboration with our corporate members to the discussions. Our profession has unique expertise and data that the federal government will need to help design an effective and sustainable program. The program’s success also needs a strong and efficient oral health care system as its foundation, where our dental practices can offer patients access to optimal oral health care. It will remain imperative that patients can choose their own dentist and that new federal funding doesn’t affect the employer-sponsored dental benefits that most Canadians depend on. Dental schools will also need to offer the resources and clinical experiences to continue providing a well-rounded curriculum for the upcoming generation of dentists. As a profession, we are building toward a future where we can provide oral health care equitably to more Canadians; and in doing so, creating a healthier Canada. It is my privilege and pleasure to begin my term as CDA’s 104th president. I am excited to work with individuals that I admire and respect from across Canada. I’m confident that we can work together respectfully to find the best solutions and ensure the continued success of our profession. From the President 7 Issue 3 | 2023 | CDA atWork
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