Catching Up with the Oral Health Community in Canada: The Network for Canadian Oral Health Research (NCOHR) We checked in with NCOHR’s director Dr. Ana Velly and members of the research network’s executive committee to learn more about the work they do. Dr. Ana Velly, is the director of NCOHR, an associate professor at McGill University, faculty of dental medicine and oral health sciences, and director of research for the department of dentistry, SMBD— Jewish General Hospital. Contributors to this article also include members of the NCOHR executive committee Drs. Maryam Amin, Laurent Bozec, Abbas Ali Jessani and Petros Papagerakis. Q. What is NCOHR and what do you do, in a nutshell? Since 2012, the Network for Canadian Oral Health Research (NCOHR) has brought together people who care about oral health—patients, researchers, dental professionals, educators, students, industry experts and policymakers. This nationwide network helps share knowledge, spark innovation, and improve oral health and overall well-being for people in Canada and beyond. Our current strategic plan is all about inspiring and supporting the next generation of oral health leaders—researchers, clinicians and students alike. We’re focused on fresh ideas, teamwork, and building a better future through innovation. Here’s what we’re working toward: z Growing talent by making training more meaningful and rewarding z Building strong teams by connecting people across different fields and backgrounds z Sharing knowledge in exciting new areas of science and technology to improve oral health By investing in people, partnerships and big ideas, we’re aiming for real change in oral and overall health across Canada. The network receives support from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). 18 | 2025 | Issue 5
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