Volume 7 • 2020 • Issue 7

Special Friend of Canadian Dentistry Award Awarded to an individual outside of the dental profession in appreciation for exemplary service to Canadian dentistry. Dr. Marko Vujicic Dr. Vujicic is an economist and has held positions with the World Health Organization and the World Bank prior to assuming his current position as chief economist and vice- president of the Health Policy Institute of the American Dental Association. He has published extensively in peer reviewed journals and has worked on broad health care reform issues. Dr. Vujicic has led large scale research initiatives in the US, Canada and developing countries that has helped shape health care policy. He has, and continues to, give generously of his time to assist CDA and the provincial dental associations by sharing econometric research data from the U.S. Dr. Vujicic has helped CDA on numerous occasions for its Environmental Scan. The information and analysis that he provides has been invaluable for policy development and advancement in Canada. Oral Health Promotion Award Recognizes an organization that has improved the health of Canadians through oral health promotion. Located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the North End Community Health Centre (NECHC) is a non-profit, charitable organization that provides collaborative and compassionate health and wellness services to those who are marginalized and underserved. The clinic has been operating for over 20 years and basic dental services are provided at no charge. The services are provided by volunteer dentists as well as dental and hygiene students. Services are funded through private donations and grants, with dental supply companies providing equipment and supplies. In 2009, the centre started providing services in partnership with Dalhousie Dentistry and the school of dental hygiene. The program has provided dental care to thousands of patients in the city’s core. The centre has had a positive impact on the oral health of a traditionally underserved community in Halifax and has been an inspiration to the profession and to the larger dental community. Marie-France LeBlanc, the centre's executive director, and Francine Leach, registered dental hygienist and oral health outreach navigator of the centre, accepted the award. To view the 2020 CDA Award Winners video, visit: cda-adc.ca/en/about/awards CDA would like to thank and acknowledge all of those who submitted formal nominations for these deserving award recipients. We look forward to receiving submissions in 2021. 16 | 2020 | Issue 7 CDA at W ork