Under his leadership, the RCDC continues to focus on developing individuals to build lifelong skills. For instance, the Junior Dental Officers are enrolled in the RCDC Dental Officer Clinical Mentorship Program, covering foundational aspects of comprehensive dentistry, periodontics, prosthodontics and oral surgery. “At the end of this program, Dental Officers can operate effectively in our military clinics and will be better prepared to work independently in some of the more austere or remote environments that we sometimes encounter when serving in the CAF,” he says. Family First BGen Picard is very family-focused. In fact, he credits his family for being the central guiding force in his life. “My wife Rachel is exceptional. And people that know me well, know that it takes somebody special to be so supportive through all of this,” he says. “Sometimes I forget to tell her that I have a last-minute meeting or out of town work commitment and she is always understanding and supportive.” BGen Picard is also extremely proud of his children, Alexandre and Amelia. “They are our greatest accomplishment and what my wife and I are most proud of, and they’re my main source of energy,” he says. “They give me all the strength in the world to keep going and I treasure every moment with them.” BGen Picard is glad that he chose to join the military. “It’s been a phenomenal career,” he says. “The experiences I’ve had, the opportunities, the travel, the training–not only as a dentist, but as an officer–made me grow in both the military and dental professions. The training and developmental opportunities we have are second to none.” The only little twinge of sadness perhaps, as a BrigadierGeneral, is that he is not allowed to wear the RCDC crest anymore. “We have a beautiful crest. I cherish wearing the royal blue beret with the crest of the Royal Canadian Dental Corps, but unfortunately, I can’t wear them now,” he says. “But I still proudly wear the colour of the Dental Corps on my mess dress–this is the pride we develop in the RCDC.” In envisioning the future, BGen Picard highlights the profound shift that emerges. “This year is filled with optimism as oral health is seen as an essential component of overall health in our great nation; the mouth is being put back into the body. These are fantastic times to serve in our wonderful dental profession,” concludes BGen Picard. My wife Rachel is exceptional. And people that know me well, know that it takes somebody special to be so supportive through all of this. Family photo on promotion day. (L. to r.) Betty Cadoret Picard (mother), Amelia Picard (daughter), Rachel Picard (wife), BGen Picard, Alexandre Picard (son), and Jean-Pierre Picard ( father). 28 | 2024 | Issue 2 Issues and People
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