Remembering Dentistry Leaders Dr. Deborah Stymiest Dr. Deborah Stymiest of Fredericton, New Brunswick, passed away on April 2, 2024, at age 67. Raised in Sydney Mines, Nova Scotia, Dr. Stymiest was very proud of her Cape Breton roots, cherishing the region’s strong sense of community. Growing up, she always knew she wanted to help people and become involved in the health professions. Dr. Stymiest obtained her undergraduate degree in biology from Mount Allison University. She graduated from Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Dentistry in 1983, fulfilling her childhood dream of becoming a dentist. Two years later, she established her own general practice in Fredericton. Dr. Stymiest enjoyed learning about the lives and histories of her patients and felt fortunate to truly love her work. She was deeply passionate about her career in dentistry and provided outstanding care to her community for over 30 years. She took immense pride in connecting with her patients on a personal and professional level. In 1997, after becoming president of the New Brunswick Dental Society, she simultaneously joined CDA’s Board of Governors as that province’s representative. During her time at CDA, she served in many roles, including serving as the Atlantic Canada representative on the Executive Council and taking part in various task forces and committees, including those focused on student affairs, ethics and government relations. Dr. Stymiest’s achievements and contributions to her profession were evident, solidifying her status as a pioneer for women in leadership in the dental profession. This culminated with her being elected as CDA president in 2008, becoming the Association’s first female president in its long history. “I remember Dr. Stymiest as a very kind, thoughtful and caring individual and I was proud of her accomplishments as our first female president and for helping to steer CDA through a new governance and membership model,” says Linda Teteruck, chief governance officer at CDA. “She set the stage for those that followed as CDA president, including Dr. Lynn Tomkins and Dr. Heather Carr, bringing in a new era of change at CDA.” Dr. Stymiest knew that some people might focus on her gender, but she took the responsibility of being the first woman president of CDA seriously. She brought a new perspective on many issues and a better understanding of the gender shift that was happening in the profession. She paved the way for a future where more women would step forward and become involved as leaders at the national level. “The dental profession has lost an exceptional leader and a trailblazer for women in dentistry,” says Dr. Carr, CDA immediate past-president. “We first met at a meeting in 2012 while I was serving as NSDA president and I realized after our conversation that becoming CDA president was an achievable goal,” says Dr. Carr. “She was as a role model for many, showing others what’s possible when you define your own success, supporting the diverse and talented women in Canadian dentistry.” Dr. Stymiest is survived by her husband Bev and daughters, Laura and Kate, of whom she was so proud. 46 | 2024 | Issue 3 Obituaries
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