Volume 7 • 2020 • Issue 2

From the President I attended the 2020 Canadian Dental Student Conference in January, hosted by the Federation of Canadian Dentistry Student Associations in Vancouver. The event gathered together bright, enthusiastic future dentists and brought back fond memories of my own early years in dentistry. When I graduated from dental school, most dentists had access to two basic practice choices. You could either become an associate or you could buy your own private practice. I was an associate for a long time and enjoyed that I could focus exclusively on patient care. Later, I purchased a solo practice so that I could enjoy the freedom of independence. These two traditional practice models are no longer the default options for new dentists. Our range of practice models is now broader and more rewarding than it has ever been. As dentists, we have the incredible privilege to improve the oral health and, with it, the overall quality of life of Canadians. We touch the lives of many, ranging from the very young to the very old, individuals who have special health care needs, and other populations who are underserved. Living in a dynamic environment of technological advancements, developing research, and rapid change in population health and consumer choices means that dentists must learn to adapt and be prepared to change how we practise and care for patients. My two sons have chosen to become dentists and it has been illuminating to watch them navigate a profession that has changed so much since I began. And, of course, I want them to have the best information at their fingertips so they can make career decisions that will lead them to a niche that fulfills them and suits the lifestyles they choose. I hope they will recognize the opportunity that change offers, as I hope all new dentists will. CDA, our provincial dental associations and CDSPI have created dentalcareeroptions.ca , a website developed by leaders in the profession to help dental students and early career dentists make informed career choices. It offers information on various practice models, advice from mentors, and an array of resources for dentists who are starting their careers or considering a career transition. I had the pleasure to celebrate the launch of this website at the student conference in Vancouver. I was proud that the tool will help empower new dentists choose their own futures. I’m also excited that CDA is not only working to address issues that are currently facing the profession but looking forward to navigate any challenges that lie much further ahead. Those of us who have already had successful careers have acquired knowledge from decades of experience that can be valuable for new dentists. The website is an important resource that is part of a larger effort to facilitate knowledge transfer. I encourage experienced dentists to teach, mentor or answer the questions of new dentists or dental students over coffee. Sharing wisdom is deeply rewarding. This is my final column as CDA president, and I’m glad that it’s about looking to the future and giving back to the profession. I’m excited about the future of dentistry and how it will change in the coming years for my sons and their contemporaries. I know that there is a practice model out there for each of you that can provide a long and fulfilling career. Alexander (Sandy)Mutchmor, dmd president@cda-adc.ca HelpingNewDentists Shape their Future 9 Issue 2 | 2020 | CDA at W ork From efficient to esthetic – Find your Filtek. From the brand dentists have trusted to restore more than one billion smiles * : Meet 3M™ Filtek™Universal Restorative. This universal composite is designed to simplify universal restorations, for efficiencywithout compromising esthetics. Learn more: www.3M.ca/Filtek New! 3M, Filtek and ESPE are trademarks of 3M or 3M Deutschland GmbH. Used under license in Canada. © 2019, 3M. All rights reserved. *3M internal data. ™ Filtek Dental Restoratives