The Canadian Dental Association Magazine 2025 • Volume 12 • Issue 2 PM40064661 Flashback 1975 Revisiting the 1stNational Convention in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador Page 22
About CDA Founded in 1902, the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) is a federally incorporated not-for-profit organization whose corporate members are Canada’s provincial and territorial dental associations. CDA represents over 21,000 practising dentists nationwide and is a trusted brand and source of information for and about the dental profession on national and international issues. is the official print publication of CDA, providing dialogue between the national association and the dental community. It is dedicated to keeping dentists informed about news, issues and clinically relevant information. 2025 • Volume 12 • Issue 2 Head of Governance & Communications Zelda Burt Managing Editor Sean McNamara Writer/Editor Sierra Bellows Gabriel Fulcher Pauline Mérindol Publications & Electronic Media Associate Michelle Bergeron Graphic Designer Carlos Castro Advertising: All matters pertaining to Display or Online advertising should be directed to: Mr. Peter Greenhough c/o Peter Greenhough Media Partners Inc. pgreenhough@pgmpi.ca 647-955-0060, ext. 101 All matters pertaining to Classified advertising should be directed to: Mr. John Reid jreid@pgmpi.ca 647-955-0060, ext. 102 Contact: Michelle Bergeron mbergeron@cda-adc.ca Call CDA for information and assistance toll-free (Canada) at: 1-800-267-6354 or 613-523-1770 CDA Essentials email: publications@cda-adc.ca @CdnDentalAssoc canadian-dentalassociation Canadian Dental Association cdndentalassoc cdaoasis cda-adc.ca CDA Essentials is published by the Canadian Dental Association in both official languages. Publications Mail Agreement no. 40064661. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Canadian Dental Association, 1815 Alta Vista Drive, Ottawa, ON K1G 3Y6 Postage paid at Ottawa, ON. Notice of change of address should be sent to: reception@cda-adc.ca or publications@cda-adc.ca ISSN 2292-7360 (Print) ISSN 2292-7379 (Online) © Canadian Dental Association 2025 Editorial Disclaimer All statements of opinion and supposed fact are published on the authority of the author who submits them and do not necessarily express the views of the Canadian Dental Association (CDA). Publication of an advertisement does not necessarily imply that CDA agrees with or supports the claims therein. The editorial department reserves the right to edit all copy submitted to CDA Essentials. Furthermore, CDA is not responsible for typographical errors, grammatical errors, misspelled words or syntax that is unclear, or for errors in translations. Sponsored content is solely produced by advertisers, in consultation with PGMPI. The CDA Essentials editorial department is not involved in its creation. CDA Board of Directors President Dr. Joel Antel Dr. Lesli Hapak Ontario Dr. Brian Baker Saskatchewan President-Elect Dr. Bruce Ward Vice-President Dr. Kirk Preston Dr. Jerrold Diamond Alberta Dr. Mélissa Gagnon-Grenier NWT/Nunavut/Yukon Dr. Raymon Grewal British Columbia Dr. Stuart MacDonald Nova Scotia Dr. Marc Mollot Manitoba Dr. Matthew Moore New Brunswick Dr. Jason Noel Newfoundland/Labrador Dr. Janice Stewart Prince Edward Island 3 Issue 2 | 2025 |
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Contents The Canadian Dental Association Magazine 2025 • Volume 12 • Issue 2 9 15 CDA at Work 7 Progress, Unity and Growth 9 New Dental Benefits Resources for Patients and Dentists 11 Ensuring that Oral Health Remains a Priority in the Federal Election News and Events 15 ISO/TC 106: Quality, Performance and Safety 20 National Oral Health Month Issues and People 22 Flashback 1975: The First National Convention in Newfoundland and Labrador 26 The Rise of 3D Printing in Orthodontics Classifieds 36 Offices and Practices, Positions Available, Advertisers’ Index Supporting Your Practice 28 Understanding Employee Burnout in Health Care 32 Managing Family and Finances: Smart Strategies for the Sandwich Generation Obituaries 38 Dr. William Sharun 20 26 5 Issue 2 | 2025 |
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Dr. Joel Antel president@cda-adc.ca Progress, Unity and Growth As I come to the end of my tenure as CDA president, I reflect not just on what we’ve accomplished in the last year, but rather what I’ve seen our association achieve and how we’ve changed for the better over the last 8 years. Since 2017, when I first became a member of the CDA board of directors, the lives of Canadian dentists have been transformed in significant ways and the organization has evolved to better serve their needs. The COVID-19 pandemic and new federal funding for oral health care has profoundly impacted us all. At CDA, we took this opportunity to review our governance model and created a new strategic plan to guide our future. All of these factors have brought the needs of dentists to the heart of every decision that CDA makes. Not only is CDA the national voice for dentists, but we actively contribute to the ongoing success of Canadian dentists and help to foster a strong, united profession. I’ve been very happy that CDA and the provincial and territorial dental associations have been able to work together so well and with such a spirit of cooperation. The considerable challenges of the last few years have worked to strengthen our relationships and our shared vision for the future. When I was serving as president of the Manitoba Dental Association in 2011, I didn’t know many of the other association presidents by name. Now, we all interact on a regular basis and collaborate on projects to accomplish more than any of us could on our own. Of course, we don’t always agree on everything, but sharing our diverse points of view spurs us to find creative—and frankly better—ideas and solutions. Our governance review and strategic plan helped bring new groups to the table, including dental specialties, educators and researchers, into CDA decision‑making processes. We’ve been building relationships throughout the wider oral health community in Canada. At present, we are thinking strategically about what our role should be in the international oral health community, both what relationships could benefit Canadian dentistry and how Canada contributes to oral health globally. As an association, we try not to do things a certain way simply because we’ve always done it that way. Instead, we’re exploring how to be most effective and how to do things right. Our culture is one of continuous improvement and I hope that I’ve contributed to this culture during my time serving on the board. I’m very grateful to my fellow board members and to CDA staff who have made my work as president not only possible, but a pleasure. You’d be hard pressed to find people as competent and hard-working as my fellow board members and the CDA staff. Responding to the implementation of the Canadian Dental Care Plan occupied a very big part of my year and I continued the efforts of my predecessors, Drs. Lynn Tomkins and Heather Carr. I spoke with the media a great deal more than I expected to and gained a greater sense of comfort in sometimeschallenging interviews. When I first got involved in organized dentistry in the early 1990s, I may have been a bit more confrontational in my approach. But the last 30 years of service have taught me about the benefits of trying to be more patient and building consensus. Organized dentistry has helped me evolve from my early bluntness to someone who listens and works hard to find common ground with my peers and colleagues. I’m grateful for the community that we share in this great profession and how you, dentists across the nation, have enriched my life. From the President 7 Issue 2 | 2025 | CDA at Work
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New Dental Benefits Resources for Patients and Dentists To make dental benefit plans work best for you and your patients, it’s important to understand how they work and your role in the administration of these plans. In January, CDA launched new Dental Benefits Education materials, designed to help patients better understand dental benefits while also supporting dentists’ discussions with patients. In accessible language, the resources help explain the fundamentals of dental benefits, the differences between private dental plans and public dental programs, who purchases the plans, how they are administered, and how predetermination and assigned benefits work, among other topics. A video for patients explains the most important facts about dental benefits, in less than 4 minutes. These resources, including brochures for patients and dentists that can be downloaded or printed, were developed with the input of CDA’s Dental Benefits committee. The committee is made up of dentists and content experts from across Canada, along with CDA staff who support the work of the committee. The committee includes: Dr. Tony Odenbach ADA; Dr. Michelle Lauwers, BCDA; Dr. Benoit Soucy (chair), CDA; Dr. Anjani Koneru, CDSS; Dr. Michael Connolly, DAPEI; Dr. Julie Oryniak, MDA; Dr. Kent Orlando, NBDS; Dr. Michelle Zwicker, NLDA; Dr. Joanne Thomas, NSDA; and Barb Morrow, ODA. The group is actively developing additional resources, including guides on What to Look for When Buying a Group Dental Plan and Models for the Payment of Dental Care by Third-Party Payers. To access the new dental benefits resources, visit: bit.ly/4hL7VMy 9 Issue 2 | 2025 |
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With a federal election now set for April 28, 2025, CDA is encouraging dentists to engage in discussions about oral health care policies. CDA produced a Federal Election Policy Platform and Toolkit, highlighting key priorities that will impact patients and the dental profession. Ensuring that Oral Health Remains a Priority in the Federal Election For many Canadians, dental care is more than just routine checkups—it is a critical part of overall health and well-being. Yet, despite growing recognition of its importance, access to dental care remains uneven across the country. Financial barriers, workforce shortages, and shifting coverage policies continue to shape how and where Canadians receive care. As the federal election approaches, CDA is encouraging dentists to be part of the conversation and help shape policies that will impact the profession. Federal Investment in Dental Care In recent years, the federal government has taken steps to expand access to dental care, most notably through the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP). Although the program aims to make care more accessible for lowerincome Canadians, the broader landscape of oral health care remains complex. Many Canadians still struggle with affordability—nearly half of low-income individuals avoid dental visits due to cost. Public support for continued investment in oral health is strong, with 76% of Canadians believing that ongoing federal funding is necessary. With dental care now ranking among the top ten concerns for voters, the upcoming federal election presents an opportunity to solidify oral health care as a long-term federal priority. For dentists, this means ensuring that new policies support high-quality, sustainable care while recognizing the role of private practices and employer-sponsored benefits. 11 Issue 2 | 2025 |
Employer-Sponsored Benefits One of the most pressing concerns for dentists is the impact of the CDCP on employer-sponsored dental benefits. Currently, two-thirds of Canadians receive dental coverage through their employer, but as public coverage expands, some businesses have begun to scale back or eliminate private dental benefits. Eleven percent of Canadians have already seen reductions in their workplace dental plans due to the introduction of the CDCP. Although increased federal support for oral health care is a positive step, these shifts raise important questions about how the public and private systems will coexist. The reduction of employer health plans could overwhelm the public system, resulting in increased wait times and limited provider options for patients. For dentists, understanding these trends and advocating for policies that maintain a balance between public funding and private coverage options is essential. Workforce Challenges Beyond funding and coverage, another challenge looms large: a pending shortage of dental hygienists and dental assistants. Across the country, dental offices are feeling the strain of a shrinking workforce. Hiring qualified people for these roles has become increasingly difficult, leading to longer wait times for patients and added pressure on existing dental teams. According to CDA estimates, Canada will need at least 2,300 more dental assistants and 1,500 additional hygienists by 2025 to meet the growing demand, particularly as the CDCP rolls out to include more eligible patients. Without targeted strategies to recruit, train, and retain skilled professionals, the gap between demand and available workforce could continue to widen. Addressing these shortages will require a multi-faceted approach, including incentives for new professionals, expanded training programs, and policies that attract and retain skilled workers in the field. Why Dentists Should Get Involved With so many changes looming on the horizon, it is more important than ever for dentists to stay engaged in the political process. Policymakers rely on insights from professionals in the field to make informed decisions, and the election period is a key time for advocacy. Engaging with local candidates, participating in professional discussions, and staying informed about policy developments are all ways that dental professionals can help shape the future of oral healthcare in Canada. CDA is encouraging dentists to take part in advocacy efforts by reaching out to policymakers, sharing concerns about workforce challenges, and reinforcing the importance of protecting both public and private dental coverage. The next federal election will impact the future of dentistry in Canada, and the decisions made today will have lasting effects on both patient care and the profession as a whole. As discussions about health care and public policy unfold, ensuring that oral health remains a central topic will be essential in building a system that works for everyone. CDA’s federal election policy platform can be accessed at: bit.ly/4iMFuzi 12 | 2025 | Issue 2 CDA at Work
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Ever wonder who determines the performance requirements for amalgam separators? Curious about who decided the ring colours on the neck of your burs that indicate grain coarseness? Who figured out the safety limits for exposure to ultraviolet irradiance from dental operating lights? ISO/TC 106: Quality, Performance and Safety How international standards benefit Canadian dentistry The International Standards Organization’s technical committee on dentistry, ISO/TC 106 for short, has published 201 standards on terms and definitions; performance, safety and specification requirements of dental products; and clinically relevant test methods. On January 1, 2025, Dr. Benoit Soucy, CDA’s chief knowledge officer, became the new chair of ISO/TC 106 for a 3-year term. Dr. Soucy is the third Canadian to serve as ISO/TC 106 chair, following the paths forged by Dr. Dennis Smith and Dr. Derek Jones. ISO technical committees are run by a secretariat that is hosted by an ISO member country. In 2004, the Standard Council of Canada (SCC) became the host of the secretariat of ISO/TC 106. CDA manages the secretariat on behalf of the SCC. Since 2019, Katie Lee, manager and professional services administrator at CDA, has served as manager of the secretariat, facilitating the committee’s year-round work plus an annual in-person meeting, each of which is hosted by an ISO member country. How ISO standards impact Canadian dentists “The technical committees of ISO were given numbers to reflect the order of their creation. Therefore, ISO/TC 106 was the 106th to be established, back in 1962, and it has served dentistry extremely well over the years,” says Dr. Soucy. “Its standards make patient care better, safer and more affordable. As well, these standards make the lives of practising dentists in Canada easier.” He explains that ISO/TC 106 standards have supported the interoperability of equipment. Any dental bur can fit any handpiece of the right type, independent of manufacturer. Any handpiece of any manufacturer can be connected to any dental unit, if the tubing is compliant with the right standard. “Interoperability of equipment is very important for the practise of dentistry and helps to control costs,” Dr. Soucy says. ISO standards facilitate trade among countries. Compared to other countries, Dr. Benoit Soucy (l.), newly installed chair of ISO/TC 106 with Prof. Gottfried Schmalz (r.), outgoing chair. 15 Issue 2 | 2025 | News and Events
Canada does not produce many dental devices, and imports them from other countries. “A harmonious approval process for the import of those products is essential for Canadian dentistry,” says Dr. Soucy. “ISO/TC 106 standards allow us to avoid barriers that could limit trade for Canada.” Recently, the scope of ISO/ TC 106 grew to include the definition of standards that have clinicals relevance. Dr. Soucy believes that the relationship between ISO/TC 106 and CDA is unique. “Canada does not have a national program for the development of standards for dentistry and, as a result, must rely on ISO/TC 106 to provide the standards that we need,” says Dr. Soucy. “Not to put too fine a point on it, but CDA’s involvement in ISO/TC 106 ensures that the standards that Canadian dentistry needs exist and are appropriate for us.” What Dr. Soucy brings to his new position “Dr. Smith and Dr. Jones, my Canadian predecessors, as well as Prof. Gottfried Schmalz, who was chair until the end of 2024, were dental material specialists with incredible international profiles,” says Dr. Soucy. Dr. Smith was a UK-born chemist and pioneer in biomaterials hired by the University of Toronto in 1969 to head an international research program in biomaterials. His research achievements include the invention of polycarboxylate cements to chemically bond materials to tooth structure and the development of acrylic cements for the fixation of hip prostheses. Dr. Jones, who was born and educated in the UK before moving to Nova Scotia to teach, was the catalyst for the transfer of ISO/TC 106’s international secretariat from the UK to Canada in 2004. Prof. Schmalz is a professor at the University of Regensburg, whose main interests are biocompatibility and tissue regeneration. He has published over 280 articles and won several international awards. “As someone who started as a clinician, I come from a completely different background,” Dr. Soucy says. He earned his DMD from the Université de Montréal, a certificate in prosthodontics and then a Master of Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. From 1980 to 1996, Dr. Soucy was a full-time faculty member at the dental school at l’Universite Laval, teaching fixed prosthodontics and dental materials. During that time, he also practised as a specialist in prosthodontics in Quebec City. Dr. Soucy joined CDA in 1997. “That move provided an opportunity to get involved in ISO/TC 106 dentistry shortly after, and to work within a small but hardworking Canadian delegation to ensure that the standards developed by ISO/TC 106 met the needs of Canadian dentistry,” he says. “As chair of ISO/TC 106, my focus will be to drive the engagement of all stakeholders to promote the broad use of standards produced by ISO/TC 106 in support of quality dental care that is affordable and sustainable.” Dr. Soucy believes that the standards written by the committee will only be used if they are aligned with the needs CDA’s involvement in ISO/TC 106 ensures that the standards that Canadian dentistry needs exist and are appropriate for us. (L. to r.) Katie Lee, CDA manager and professional services administrator at CDA and manager ISO/TC 106 with Prof. Schmalz. What is ISO? The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is an independent, non‑governmental international organization. It brings global experts together to agree on the best ways of doing things. What is a standard? Think of a standard as a document that describes an agreed upon way of doing something. It could be about making a product, managing a process, delivering a service or supplying materials—standards cover a huge range of activities. What do standards do? Standards define what great looks like, setting consistent benchmarks for businesses and consumers alike — ensuring reliability, building trust, and simplifying choices. Making lives easier, safer and better. What can standards do for you? International standards ensure that the products and services you use daily are safe, reliable, and of high quality.They also guide businesses in adopting sustainable and ethical practices, helping to create a future where your purchases not only perform excellently but also safeguard our planet. In essence, standards seamlessly blend quality with conscience, enhancing your everyday experiences and choices. 16 | 2025 | Issue 2 News and Events
of all stakeholders, which include manufacturers, oral health care providers, regulators and patients. “Recognizing patients as stakeholders in dental standardization is an interesting conundrum,” he says. “Patients are the ultimate beneficiaries of good standards in dentistry, but the technical nature of the work and the funding model for ISO work prevents their involvement in the standards process.” Short of direct patient involvement, Dr. Soucy sees the participation of clinicians as the best option to ensure that the work of ISO/TC 106 considers the concerns of patients. Members of ISO/TC 106 delegations from other countries, especially Germany, Japan and the US, are largely representatives of industry and manufacturing. In contrast, dentists with strong academic and clinical backgrounds have, for many years, comprised most of the Canadian delegation. “We definitely bring the perspective of dentistry, rather than industry, to the table,” Dr. Soucy says. He believes that having members of the Canadian delegation with a regulatory background would expand the expertise that Canada offers the committee. How ISO/TC 106 works ISO/TC106 has 8 subcommittees that cover broad categories of standardization topics. Each subcommittee includes working groups within which experts write the drafts that eventually become the ISO international standards. Currently, there are 51 standards under development or revision. “We have experts from all over the world,” says Lee, who manages the secretariat. “Imagine trying to schedule a Zoom meeting when you have participants who are based on both coasts of North America, Asia, Oceania and Europe. You always have somebody who has to wake up in the middle of the night for a meeting.” Participating experts are, to a large extent, volunteers, so Lee tries to make their work as convenient as possible. ISO recently introduced online tools for standard development that can be used asynchronously. “The default tool for ISO/TC 106 is now the ISO online standard development platform,” says Dr. Soucy. “We hope that more of the work can happen while experts are in their home countries so that, when we meet, we have more time to address contentious issues, build consensus and formally adopt the standards.” New standard proposals are presented by the national bodies of ISO. The participating members of the technical committee vote on these proposals. If the results are twothirds in favour, the proposal is assigned to a working group where experts come to consensus on a working draft that is circulated as a committee draft for comments and voted on by participating countries. This stage is intended to allow participating countries to reach consensus on the technical content of the standard. When consensus is reached, the document is registered as a draft international standard and recirculated for comments and voted on. Once consensus is reached on the draft international standard, it is registered as a final draft international standard that is circulated one more time before moving to the publication stage, once consensus on its content is confirmed. Each year, ISO/TC106 has a meeting hosted by a member country that brings all the experts together. The event includes a series of workshops where experts write standards collectively. “Last October, we gathered in New Orleans, and the 2025 meeting is set for Seoul, South Korea,” says Lee. The country that hosts the meeting funds the event and is not allowed to Patients are the ultimate beneficiaries of good standards in dentistry, but the technical nature of the work and the funding model for ISO work prevents their involvement in the standards process. Dr. Benoit Soucy presenting the SC 3 Report to the 2024 ISO/TC 106 Plenary in New Orleans, Louisiana. 17 Issue 2 | 2025 | News and Events
charge participants to attend the meeting, which helps lowerincome countries to attend and participate. “Katie does excellent work liaising with the host countries to make sure that the meetings run smoothy,” says Dr. Soucy. “The other part of our task is making sure that the subcommittees stay focussed and operate as they should. ISO directives define the basic procedures to be followed in the development of international standards and Katie knows them very well, so she guides and helps working groups and subcommittees that need it. And, most important to me, she supports the chair.” At the annual ISO/TC 106 event, Lee schedules the meetings over 5 days. “During the first 3 days, 55 to 60 working groups have to meet and there are people who are members of multiple working groups, which is a logistical challenge,” she says. The subcommittee plenaries are on day 4 and then, on day 5, each of the subcommittees presents their work for the full technical group to vote on them. “Usually, the Canadian group includes six people, including head of delegation and subject matter experts,” Lee says. “Last year it was only 4, but Canada punches above our weight and contributes in a very meaningful way to the committee.” Aspirations for Dr. Soucy’s tenure as chair Dr. Soucy wants to encourage Canadian dentistry to become more involved in standardization. “We currently have a core group of about eight experts that shoulder the bulk of the work,” he says. “By demonstrating how important standards are to dentists, I hope we can attract more experts. I need to find my replacement on the terminology subcommittee because, as chair of the TC, I am not available to serve in that capacity at meetings of ISO/TC 106.” Until 2022, France hosted the secretariat for the terminology sub-committee of ISO/TC 106. CDA now hosts it and recently gained a new manager, Igor Minic, programs and services associate at CDA. “As a bilingual country, the terminology Standards published by ISO/TC 106 There are now over 200 dental standards published by ISO/TC 106 and 51 under development or revision, covering dental materials, dental instruments, dental equipment, dental terminology, codes and abbreviations, oral hygiene products, dental CAD-CAM systems, biocompatibility of medical devices used in dentistry and dental implants. Standards for medical devices that are used in both dentistry and in other fields of medicine have their own ISO technical committees, which are monitored by members of ISO/TC 106 but not directly participated in. ISO/TC 106 Subcommittees What is ISO/TC 106? One of more than 200 technical committees at ISO, the mandate of ISO/TC 106 includes standardization in oral health care including: terms and definitions; performance, safety, and specification requirements of dental products; and clinically relevant laboratory test methods, all of which contribute to improved global health. ISO/TC 106 was established in 1962.The British Standards Institution held the secretariat until 2004 when it was transferred to the Standards Council of Canada (SCC), for whom it is administered by CDA. ISO/TC 106 has 31 participating member countries and 19 observing member countries. ISO/TC 106 contributes to the quality and safety of products used in the treatments by dental professionals as well as hygiene products used by the public. • TC 106/SC 1—Filling and restorative materials • TC 106/SC 2—Prosthodontic materials • TC 106/SC 3—Terminology • TC 106/SC 4—Dental instruments • TC 106/SC 6—Dental equipment • TC 106/SC 7—Oral care products • TC 106/SC 8—Dental implants • TC 106/SC 9—Dental CAD/CAM systems (L. to r.) Dr. Soucy, Dr. Lise Payant and Dr. Lex MacNeil, representing Canada at the 2019 ISO/TC 106 Plenary in Osaka, Japan. Read more about the history of ISO/TC 106 in an article by Dr. Derek Jones, former ISO/TC 106 chair: www.nature.com/articles/ sj.bdj.2012.835.pdf 18 | 2025 | Issue 2 News and Events
Canadian delegates and partners in New Orleans. (L. to r.) Dr. Tao Wang, Dr. Laura Tam, Igor Minic, Dr. Mark Filiaggi, Dr. Kathy Russell, Dunja Schelper, Dr. Benoit Soucy, Katie Lee and Dr. Lex MacNeil. Want to get involved? Standards are developed by the people who need them.That could mean you! The best starting point is to become involved as a member of one of the Canadian Mirror Committees to ISO/TC 106, managed by the SCC. For more information visit: bit.ly/4iZJ4Wj subcommittee is something that we’re really suited for. CDA provides resources for it because, as an organization, it recognizes the importance for information sharing of having standard terms, codes and abbreviations,” says Dr. Soucy. An example of the work done by the terminology subcommittee of ISO/TC 106/SC 3 is the standard for the designation of teeth. The most widely used system for that purpose, which is used in Canada, is the two-digit notation originally devised by the FDI World Dental Federation. When FDI stopped actively maintaining that tooth designation system, dentists started using it in nonstandard fashions, thereby creating issues for the exchange of information. To address the problem, the terminology subcommittee of ISO/TC 106 decided to rewrite ISO 3950, a little-used ISO standard for the designation of teeth to make it into a suitable replacement for the FDI two-digit notation. Early in that work, a new designation system using three-digit notations to allow for the designation of additional structures, such as supernumerary teeth or implants, was considered. “But that would have cost a fortune,” says Dr. Soucy. “That change would have also meant redoing all the forms, rewriting the software and retraining everyone.” In the end, the subcommittee elected to publish an expanded version of the FDI system called ISO 3950:2016 Dentistry — Designation system for teeth and areas of the oral cavity. In addition, the group created a designation system for supernumerary teeth as a separate standard, ISO 10394, that can be implemented voluntarily. One of Dr. Soucy’s tasks is to lead the consideration of a new subcommittee that will work on standards for forensic odontology, the identification of people through dental features. “Nobody questions the need for additional forensic odontology resources but before creating this new sub-committee, it is important to ensure that there is a fit with the scope of ISO/TC 106, that it does not duplicate work by existing standards bodies such as ISO 272 forensic sciences and that it meets a need among the forensic science community,” he says. In 2021, ISO formalized its commitment to climate action with a resolution called the London Declaration, which sets an agenda to bring together ISO standards with global sustainability and climate goals. For ISO/TC 106, this means ensuring that all new and revised standards support a sustainable, resilient future. “Besides being the chair of ISO/TC 106, I am the convenor of the ISO/TC 106 working group that is looking at how to increase the sustainability of dentistry without overburdening manufacturers,” says Dr. Soucy. “This is a significant challenge because the climate impact of dentistry is not well studied, but I see this as a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness of the issue.” “The term for chair is three years,” he says. “I don’t know how much I will accomplish in that time, but I am extremely proud to be given the opportunity to continue the work of my predecessors as chair of ISO/TC 106.” 19 Issue 2 | 2025 | News and Events
National Oral Health Month This April, CDA marked National Oral Health Month (NOHM) by highlighting the importance of oral health to overall well-being. This year’s campaign emphasized the role of dentists in guiding patients toward informed decisions, reinforcing preventive care and addressing common misconceptions. Oral Health and Overall Well-Being “Oral health is an integral part of overall health,” says Dr. Joel Antel, CDA president. “In April, we aim to educate Canadians on the importance of evidence-based oral health practices and the value of professional guidance.” Research has demonstrated links between periodontal disease and systemic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and respiratory infections. NOHM is a great opportunity for dentists to reinforce essential habits among patients such as brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing, eating a balanced diet that limits sugar intake and scheduling regular dental visits to monitor oral health and prevent potential issues. By encouraging these fundamental practices, dentists help patients take proactive steps toward maintaining a healthy smile and improving their overall health. Addressing Misinformation and Promoting Reliable Practices In today’s digital landscape, misinformation about oral health is increasingly a problem. Some social media trends promote DIY dental treatments, such as at-home teeth whitening remedies to makeshift orthodontics, which can pose serious risks for the public. As trusted health care providers, dentists are in an ideal position to correct these misconceptions with scientific-based recommendations and provide patients with evidence-based advice. See: bit.ly/4i77GvC 20 | 2025 | Issue 2
Encouraging Preventive Care and Patient Education A key objective of NOHM is to shift the focus from reactive treatments to proactive prevention. By fostering a culture of preventive care, dentists can help reduce the prevalence of common dental issues and improve long-term patient outcomes. These methods include: z Providing patients with clear, science-backed guidance on maintaining oral hygiene z Recommending CDA Seal-approved products for at-home care z Encouraging regular dental checkups to detect and address concerns early z Educating patients on the systemic connections between oral health and overall well-being Preventive care not only benefits patients by reducing the need for complex treatments but also supports the broader healthcare system by lowering the incidence of oral diseaserelated complications. Engaging the Dental Community and Beyond NOHM is an excellent opportunity for dentists to engage with their communities, an active way to promote oral health beyond the dental practice. “Maintaining good oral health is not just about appearances. It’s about protecting your overall health and ensuring long-term quality of life. By focusing on education, prevention and safe practices, we can help Canadians make informed choices about their oral and overall health,” concludes Dr. Antel. Path to good oral health Brush your teeth twice a day using fluoride toothpaste and floss every day. Check your mouth regularly for signs of gum disease and oral cancer. Eat a well-balanced diet. Visit your dentist regularly. Limit alcohol, and avoid smoking, smokeless tobacco and vaping. 21 Issue 2 | 2025 | News and Events
One of North America’s oldest and most easterly cities, St. John’s lies on the Atlantic coast of the island of Newfoundland. In 1975, it hosted its first national dental convention. “People still talk about it, those who can remember,” says Anthony “Tony” Patey, the longserving executive director of the Newfoundland and Labrador Dental Association (NLDA) who retired in 2022. The 1975 Convention The John C. Perlin Arts and Culture Centre, which opened its doors in 1967 and is located next to Memorial University, was the main hub of the convention and included clinical tables, a restaurant and an art gallery. Dining facilities were at Paton College, a university residence completed in 1968, which featured “hot meals, three times a day, at very reasonable prices,” according to promotional material for the convention. The First National Convention in Newfoundland and Labrador Fifty years ago, St. John’s welcomed dentists from across Canada. This August, the city will once again play host to the National Oral Health Convention. The convention committee invited attendees to experience “rugged, beautiful, rich in history” Newfoundland, whose “place names boast a dozen different languages, silent testimony of people who came and left, on bays and island and headland, record of their faiths and memories of their far away homes.” “Back then, there weren’t many hotels in town, so they had to put up some attendees in the residences of Memorial Dentists and their families boarded a cruise ship in Montreal, sailed east along the St. Lawrence River and docked in St. John’s for the duration of the convention. 22 | 2025 | Issue 2
University,” says Tony. Indeed, promotional materials from early in 1975 warn attendees that the Holiday Inn, where some association meetings and events were being held, had already sold out. Other dentists and their families boarded a cruise ship in Montreal, sailed east along the St. Lawrence River and docked in St. John’s for the duration of the convention. The Danish luxury liner, the MS Discoverer, had “passenger comfort and convenience with the intimacy of a yacht and features usually association with larger cruise vessels,” according to a 1975 CDA publication. It had a movie theatre, swimming pool and a “combo for dancing each night.” The total cruise time was ten days. solid. The people who were cooking the banquet spent two days in one of the dressing rooms of the stadium defrosting them all. He said there was water everywhere. A mini flood.” The convention also included an opening soiree at the arts and culture centre and a concert by Ryan’s Fancy, a traditional Irish music trio that had arrived in St. John’s in 1971 to attend Memorial University. The musical group made a splash in the local music scene and a CBC television series, also called Ryan’s Fancy, followed the trio as they played music across Atlantic Canada. The convention also included an opening soiree at the arts and culture centre and a concert by Ryan’s Fancy, a traditional Irish music trio that had arrived in St. John’s in 1971 to attend Memorial University. “Unfortunately, the core people who did the planning for the convention have passed away, including Dr. Charles Daly, but I spoke to Dr. Gary McDonald and Dr. Gary Butler about their recollections,” says Tony. “One of the main events of the conference was a lobster boil at St. John’s Stadium with wine and a band from Greece.” Convention materials said there were thousands of lobsters served. The St. John’s Stadium was a hockey arena on Lake Ave. that would later be renamed Memorial Stadium before it closed in 2001. “It was a big crowd, there was a whole floor of tables and, by the end, all the food and wine was gone!” says Lesley Patey, executive director of NLDA and Tony’s daughter. “Gary MacDonald remembered that the lobsters arrived frozen Dr. Frederick Reid, CDA president 1974–75, accepts his pastpresident pin from Dr. David K. Peters, CDA president 1972–73. The MS Discoverer cruise ship was the transportation of choice for some 1975 convention attendees. Issues and People
Linda Teteruck, chief advisor and longtime CDA employee, travelled to the East Coast for the first time to attend the convention. “The 1975 CDA AGM was held during the convention,” she says. “I was a new CDA employee, having just started a few months before. I felt privileged to attend. I was the secretary to one of their reference committees at the meeting. Our governance structure was very different from what it is now, and these reference committees met and reported out at the AGM.” She says that the local organizing committee was very creative and showcased the outstanding hospitality for which Newfoundland and Labrador are renowned. Dentists who travelled to St. John’s in 1975 were encouraged to participate in special tours, planned by a NLDA committee, before or after the convention that included “fishing expeditions on the Kepimet River or Byron Bay in Labrador” and “boat trips to points of interest in the Gulf of St. Lawrence such as St. Pierre/Miquelon.” “Attending the convention is memorable for me since it was my very first CDA convention and this gave me the chance to visit and learn about a part of Canada that I’d never been to before,” says Teteruck. “I was a big city gal, at the time, living in Toronto, where the CDA was then headquartered. Attending the CDA convention in St. John’s opened up for me an awareness of the majesty and diversity of this great country and the knowledge that CDA serves the profession across Canada, and we must be mindful of this in all our activities.” “I was not with the dental association at that time, so I did not attend the conference,” says Tony. “I think back to that time and realize that only dentists attended, it was much later that it grew to include other dental professionals and staff.” In a 1975 issue of the Journal of the Canadian Dental Association, a wrap-up of the convention says that it “turned out to be a real pleasure because everything they say about Newfoundland hospitality is true.” CDA delegates discovered “themselves that Newfoundland can mount a parade of outstanding entertainment, fine food and unlimited enthusiasm.” In a 1975 issue of the Journal of the Canadian Dental Association, a wrap‑up of the convention says that it “turned out to be a real pleasure because everything they say about Newfoundland hospitality is true.” Dr. Joseph Rosenblat, a student from the University of Toronto, with his contribution to the 1975 student table clinic program. 24 | 2025 | Issue 2 Issues and People
About 2,000 delegates attended the 1975 convention, “which is certainly a large number going to the city of St. John’s,” says Teteruck. She also remembers local dentists opening their homes to attendees. Looking Ahead to 2025 “We’ve grown a lot since 1975,” says Lesley. “St. John’s has a convention centre now. We have far more hotels in the city. And we’ve also grown the number of exhibitors at our trade show; we used to only have 10 to 20, and now have more than 140.” “In the mid-70s, I would guess that we didn’t have a hundred dentists in all of Newfoundland,” says Tony. “Our association has grown a lot, too, since then.” Both Pateys are very excited for the national convention this summer, which takes place from August 27 to 30, 2025. “After the opening reception, there will be a pub crawl on George Street,” says Lesley. “It was a hit in 2015, and many people have told me they look forward to it again.” In 2015, the national convention had 1,700 attendees. This year, Lesley expects more than 2,500. “This is a great time to catch up with classmates, colleagues, and old friends while also getting your CE and enjoying evening social events,” she says. This year, the last evening of the convention will include a private concert by Alan Doyle, founding member of Great Big Sea, and his band. “One thing that hasn’t changed is that Newfoundland is still a destination for people,” says Tony. “It has a unique natural beauty and history. And we have a very warm culture that anyone who ever visits remembers.” The Newfoundland & Labrador Dental Association (NLDA) is excited to host the national dental convention August 27 to 30, 2025. This will be the fourth time NLDA has hosted the national convention. The CE committee is bringing more than 35 CE courses from world-class speakers. There will be more than 140 exhibits to learn about new cuttingedge dental technology. Every evening includes social occasions from a pub crawl to a black-tie dinner to a private concert. Sign up to attend: https://nohc.ca Paton College residence, where some convention attendees stayed. Irish folk music trio Ryan’s Fancy headlined the convention. 25 Issue 2 | 2025 | Issues and People
Technological innovation has always been a significant part of the dental profession. From the advent of X-rays to the introduction of digital imaging, each breakthrough has brought profound improvements to patient care. Now, the rise of 3D printing marks another milestone, particularly its use in orthodontics. Currently transforming dental practices, 3D printing has quickly become a key tool in many aspects of dentistry. For orthodontists, this technology opens up exciting possibilities, enabling the creation of precise, customized appliances while streamlining workflows and reducing materials waste. As Dr. Normand Bach says, “3D printing is not just a tool—it’s a game-changer for our profession.” In this article, we explore the current applications, benefits, challenges, and the promising future of the use of 3D printing in orthodontics. The Rise of 3D Printing in Orthodontics Orthodontics is a field where precision is paramount. Even the smallest misalignment in an appliance can lead to discomfort for patients, delays in treatment progress and can also increase the risk of tooth decay. This is where 3D printing shines. At its core, the technology relies on additive manufacturing—a process that builds three-dimensional objects layer by layer, from materials such as plastics and metal powders. With advancements in computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM), orthodontists can now design appliances and fabricate them in their own offices with remarkable accuracy. “The precision and customization we can achieve with 3D printing were unimaginable just a decade ago,” explains Dr. Bach. “This technology allows us to address the unique needs of each patient with unmatched accuracy.” Initially, 3D printing was used for creating accurate dental models. However, its applications have expanded to include the fabrication of orthodontic appliances like lingual retainers, palatal expanders and transpalatal arches. By combining digital scans of a patient’s teeth with advanced orthodontic software, practitioners can Dr. Normand Bach is an associate professor in orthodontics at the faculty of dental medicine at the University of Montreal. 26 | 2025 | Issue 2
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