CDA presented some its latest awards during ceremonies held in Ottawa in April 2012.
Honorary Membership
CDA's Honorary Membership recognizes individuals deemed to have made outstanding contributions to the art and science of dentistry, or to the dental profession, over a sustained period of time. Honorary Membership was presented to Dr. Johan Francis Wolfaardt of Edmonton.
Dr. Johan Wolfaardt (r.) received his CDA Honorary Membership from Dr. Robert MacGregor, CDA past-president.
Dr. Johan Wolfaardt is a professor at the University of Alberta faculty of dentistry and medicine. He is an internationally recognized scholar for his work in the area of maxillofacial prosthetics and head and neck reconstruction and rehabilitation. Dr. Wolfaardt is one of the founders and current director of clinics and international relations at the Institute for Reconstructive Sciences in Medicine, which provides complex specialized reconstructive biotechnologies to patients with cancer, trauma and congenital conditions. Dr. Wolfaardt has also been involved in establishing several international multidisciplinary research networks, including the Oral Rehabilitation Outcomes Network, the Head and Neck Research Network and the Centre for Implantable Medical Device Development.
Distinguished Service Award
CDA's Distinguished Service Award recognizes individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the profession in a given year or over a number of years. This year, 2 recipients received the award: Dr. Phillip Poon of Winnipeg, and Dr. Geoff Smith of St. John's, Newfoundland.
Dr. Phillip Poon (r.) and Dr. Robert MacGregor, CDA past-president.
For over 30 years, Dr. Phillip Poon has served his profession, his community and organized dentistry with compassion, modesty and resolve. His impressive record of community service includes organizing and staffing clinics for new Canadians, patients with special needs, members of First Nations communities, and underserviced and economically disadvantaged populations. Dr. Poon has served as president of the Winnipeg Dental Society and Manitoba Dental Association, and was instrumental in establishing a student mentoring program at the University of Manitoba faculty of dentistry. Dr. Poon has been actively involved in numerous CDA activities and he currently serves as chair of CDA's Advocacy Committee.
Dr. Geoff Smith (r.) and Dr. Robert MacGregor, CDA past-president.
Dr. Geoff Smith has dedicated his career to advancing pediatric dental care for patients in need of surgery in Newfoundland and Labrador. For nearly 25 years, he was the only pediatric dentist in the province. During that time he implemented the Operation Tooth project, to address the waiting list for pediatric dental surgery across the region. In addition to providing immediate treatment, Operation Tooth enables children to receive surgery in or close to their home communities. Dr. Smith currently serves on CDA's Committee on Clinical and Scientific Affairs and he served as president of the Newfoundland and Labrador Dental Association.
Oral Health Promotion Award
CDA's Oral Health Promotion Award recognizes individuals or organizations who have improved the oral health of Canadians through oral health promotion. This may involve creating public health policy or supportive environments, strengthening community action, developing personal skills and increasing the prevention of oral diseases and disorders. This year, 2 recipients received the award: the Alberta Dental Association and College (ADA&C), for its Patient Communication Booklet; and the Ottawa Mission Dental Program.
Dr. Robert Huff (r.), ADA&C president and Dr. Robert Sutherland, CDA president.
The ADA&C Patient Communication Booklet was developed as a tool to enhance dentist-patient communications on key issues of trust and value, including dental exams, dental insurance and fees and treatment options. It was initially distributed to the registered dentists of Alberta and then to all dental team members in the province. The booklet is now part of the University of Alberta dental curriculum. Its popularity has resulted in the development of other tools such as a PowerPoint presentation for dentists to use at staff meetings for training purposes.
Dr. Tom Harle (r.), from the Ottawa Mission Dental Program and Dr. Peter Doig, CDA president-elect.
The Ottawa Mission Dental Program is an oral health promotion and outreach service spearheaded by Dr. Tom Harle. It was developed to improve the oral health and quality of life of Ottawa's homeless community members and to increase their acceptance and compliance with treatment. The program also aims to cultivate sensitivity and compassion among dental professionals by interacting with the poor and the homeless while learning about the realities of street life. The program is one of the largest of its kind in Canada, with 70 professionals from a variety of dental disciplines donating their time and services.
