Volume 8 • 2021 • Issue 6

CDA AwardWinners Dr. Kathleen O’Loughlin ’s contributions to Canadian dentistry are the accumulation of many characteristics that can be summarized with the words “availability and generosity.” She holds a dental degree from Tufts University and a Master’s degree in Public Health and Health Care Management from Harvard University. In 2009, she became the first woman to serve as executive director of the American Dental Association (ADA) in its 161‑year history. As ADA executive director, Dr. O’Loughlin has always been available to speak to CDA on a variety of dental issues, both at the national and international level. CDA’s relationship with the ADA is extremely important as we share many common challenges, and as such, we also are able to share solutions. CDA engages with the ADA on the Dental Aptitude Test, the CDA Seal program, and on research and policy initiatives where we share information and data of common concern and interest. Dr. O’Loughlin has always provided timely advice and keeps CDA informed on developing issues in the United States. Her open manner and willing spirit have provided CDA with significant benefits over the past 12 years. The Gathering Place Community Health Centre has operated a dental clinic in St. John’s, Newfoundland, since 2018 and it has quickly become a valuable dental resource for marginalized populations in that community. These groups include those who are challenged with issues such as addiction, chronic pain, mental illness and poverty or who find themselves in need. People in these groups are provided with a safe and trusted space to access free dental care. The clinic has helped dentists in Newfoundland promote the importance of oral health care to all its citizens and gives members of the dental team an opportunity to volunteer their time and expertise. Dental volunteers come from across the province and continue to demonstrate their commitment to the clinic and to its goals. The Gathering Place and its dental clinic strives to be an inspiration for other organizations to work together to promote the importance of oral health and establish their own outreach dental clinics. Healthy Smile, Happy Child is a multi-disciplinary community outreach initiative that began in Manitoba in 2000. It engages communities in early childhood caries (ECC) prevention strategies and the promotion of early childhood oral health. The program’s objectives are to gain community acceptance of the importance of childhood oral health, to build on existing programs for children, to increase parental knowledge of ECC prevention, and to encourage existing service and health providers to incorporate prevention activities into their practices. Over the past two decades, the program has developed strong health promotion partnerships with other communities and a solid record of accomplishments. Although not limited to Indigenous peoples, the program is one of only a few community-based and culturally grounded oral health programs for Indigenous children, a group that has historically had limited access to care. The program has received significant external funding and support from multiple sources and has developed a proven model to guide its activities. This information has been published to assist other individuals and organizations in promoting good oral health for children. Dr. Kathleen O’Loughlin Special Friend of Canadian Dentistry Award Awarded in appreciation for exemplary support or service to Canadian dentistry and to the profession as a whole. Oral Health Promotion Award Recognizes individuals or organizations that have improved the health of Canadians through oral health promotion. View the 2021 CDA Award Winners presentation video at: cda-adc.ca/en/about/awards CDAwould like to thank and acknowledge all of those who submitted formal nominations for these deserving award recipients.We look forward to receiving submissions in 2022.