The clinic is part of the Vancouver Aboriginal Health Society and serves many Indigenous people in the community. “A number of our patients have had traumatic experiences with dentists in Residential Schools,” says Dr. Ward. “At the clinic, we are very intentional about creating a safe space where the patient has agency.” Dr. Ward says that although he’s considered doing international volunteer work, he likes that he can make a difference in the city where he lives. Outside of dentistry Dr. Ward became a long-distance runner in the mid1980s and has run 26 marathons in Canada and abroad. He volunteered at the YMCA of Greater Vancouver Marathon Clinic until 2004. “I led the 8-and-a-halfminute mile group, and we’d run two marathons a year,” he says. “The last one was in France where we ran through 19 of the world’s greatest vineyards. It was a great way to toast the end of my running career.” Every Sunday, Dr. Ward goes hiking in and around Vancouver with a group of regulars. He enjoys spending time with friends, but cherishes his time with Karin and their 3 dogs. “I love living in Vancouver, it is such a beautiful place and a dynamic city,” he says. There is a lecture on professional ethics that Dr. Ward gives to dental students. At the beginning of the session, he asks them to imagine that they’re about to retire. How can they tell if they’ve had a successful career? A big house? A boat? “I tell them if you can retire after 40 years in practice with the respect of three groups—your patients, your staff and your peers—then you probably were a successful dentist,” Dr. Ward says. “It’s like a three-legged stool. If you only have two legs on a stool, it’ll fall over. For me, that’s the measure of an ethical professional. I think it’s a worthy goal for people to have when they first start out, rather than trying to make up for it later on.” Fun Facts • During his years in dental school, Dr. Ward worked as a phlebotomist in Montreal. • For his 50th birthday, Dr. Ward’s staff threw him a surprise party. He does not like surprises. • Dr. Ward and Karin were featured on an episode of the TV show Love it or List it: Vancouver in 2014. • Dr. Ward and Karin have three miniature wire‑haired dachshunds named Karma (17 years old), Doobie (8) and Zippy (4). Bruce (Count Dracula) and his team used to dress up every Halloween. CDA President 2025–26 12 | 2025 | Issue 3
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