Dr. Lynn Tomkins of Toronto (right) was honoured by the American College of Dentists (ACD) with its 2024 Distinguished Leadership Award. This award recognizes individuals who have a record of significant and distinguished leadership in dentistry, public health, or national health policy at the national level. Dr. Tomkins served as CDA president in 2022– 23 and as president of the Ontario Dental Association in 2010–11. Dr. Tomkins has also been recognized for her outstanding contributions to dental education with the Dr. A. Bruce Hord Master Teaching Award for excellence for her work in clinical instruction at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Dentistry. The ACD also recognized other Canadian dentists with awards in 2024. Dr. Barry Schwartz of London, Ontario, was the recipient of the ACD Ethics and Professionalism Award, given to recognize exceptional contributions by individuals or organizations in the promotion of ethics or professionalism in dentistry. American College of Dentists Award Winners Dr. Daniel Haas Appointed as Member of the Order of Canada CDCP Predetermination Updates Dr. Daniel Haas of Toronto, a professor and former dean of the University of Toronto (U of T) faculty of dentistry, was appointed as a Member of the Order of Canada in December 2024. Dr. Haas is a leading expert in dental anesthesiology and pharmacology and was recognized for his significant contributions to oral health and dental education. His research on local anesthetic risks has enhanced patient safety. As dean of the U of T faculty of dentistry and an advocate for specialty recognition, Dr. Haas has influenced dental training and practices worldwide. Created in 1967, the Order of Canada is one of the country’s highest civilian honours. It recognizes individuals whose achievements and service have had an impact on communities across Canada and beyond. Since November 2024, dentists have been able to submit Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) predetermination requests for services that require prior approval. Health Canada and Sun Life are aware of some technical challenges encountered by dental offices and are working to simplify the process and provide more clarity. Some improvements have already been implemented and CDA will continue to advocate for further improvements. Tutorial videos with accompanying checklists of required documentation are being created by Health Canada, beginning with one on partial dentures, with crowns and additional units of scaling coming in 2025. The tutorial videos will explain what documentation is needed when submitting a predetermination request to CDCP and the checklists will help providers and dental office staff know what documentation should be submitted. DENTAL DIGEST Dr. Thomas Harle of Ottawa and Dr. Lance Rucker of Vancouver were the 2024 recipients of the ACD’s Outstanding Service Award, which recognizes ACD Fellows for specific, outstanding service to dentistry, the community, or humanity. See: acd.org/fellowship/awards/awardees Dr. Daniel Haas See: bit.ly/4jqfme6 See: youtube.com/watch?v=dlTK3hEAGPs Dr. Lynn Tomkins 12 | 2025 | Issue 1
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