Remembering Dentistry Leaders Dr. David Sweet, O.C. Dr. David Sweet of Vancouver, BC, passed away on September 17, 2025, at age 72. A native of Cranbrook, BC, Dr. Sweet’s journey in dentistry began at the University of British Columbia (UBC) in 1978, where he earned his dental degree. After returning home to establish his own dental practice, his passion for teaching drew him back to UBC, where he would forge his legacy and inspire generations of dental students. Dr. Sweet’s colleagues and students at UBC all fondly remember his mentorship, sharp mind and kind personality. Dr. Sweet’s career took a fateful turn when he completed a PhD in Forensic Medicine from the University of Granada, in Spain, in 1995. His doctoral work laid the foundation for the creation of UBC’s Bureau of Legal Dentistry (BOLD), the first laboratory in North America dedicated to applying forensic science techniques to dental evidence. Through BOLD, Dr. Sweet helped establish new scientific standards for forensic odontology, combining meticulous research with a profound sense of justice. Dr. Sweet led the BC Forensic Odontology Response Team (BC-FORT), a volunteer group of dental professionals trained to assist in the aftermath of mass disasters, in Canada and abroad. His leadership and compassion helped to bring closure to countless families affected by tragedy. Dr. Dirk van der Meer, president of BC-FORT, can distill the essence of Dr. Sweet into 2 words: science and compassion. “From my days in dental school to my forensic career working alongside and teaching with David, I’ve regarded him as a teacher, mentor, colleague, leader, and most importantly, a friend,” says Dr. van der Meer. “He was a captivating public speaker, a remarkable forensic dentist, an accomplished scientist and an exemplary human being; always gracious, supportive and thorough in every manner of his life.” “David was a gifted scientist and communicator,” says Dr. Robert Wood, who collaborated with Dr. Sweet as Chief Forensic Odontologist for the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service/Ontario Coroner’s Office. “His ground-breaking work in the field of DNA extraction and comparison was applied to many famous, and infamous, cases in Canadian forensic science.” “This competence was, more importantly, accompanied by a genuine concern that David exhibited for others, an unwavering moral compass and a willingness to listen to all sides of a situation,” says Dr. Wood. “He trained countless other forensic experts, and I consider myself highly privileged to have met, worked alongside, and learned from him.” Dr. Sweet’s contributions were recognized at the highest levels in Canada and across the globe. In 2008, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada, for his “revolutionary forensic techniques and tireless service on behalf of victims of crime and mass disasters.” In 2015, the Canadian Forces awarded Dr. Sweet with the Medallion for Distinguished Service, the military’s highest civilian honour. Dr. Sweet’s influence extends far beyond the clinic and the classroom. His pioneering work in forensic odontology transformed the discipline and elevated the role of dental professionals in humanitarian and investigative contexts. Dr. Sweet is survived by his wife, Christine; his sister, Diane Baerg (Ron); and his brothers- and sister-in-law: Wendy (Barney), Warren (Charlotte), and Lisle (Sandy). 38 | 2025 | Issue 6 Obituaries
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