Dr. Williams’ private practice, now South Surrey Smiles, has grown over the last 25 years into a successful, team-driven practice recognized for its patient-centered care and collaborative culture. She trains her team to manage clinical work independently, at the highest standard. She proudly provides leadership, experience, oversight and clinical acumen. Dr. Williams’ influence extends far beyond her own office. Indeed, her leadership trajectory is dotted with firsts: often she was the first woman to hold a prestigious role and sometimes the first Canadian. “I always say yes when opportunities arise,” Dr. Williams explains. “These are opportunities to gain experience, grow and contribute to our great specialty.” doctor-partner, board director and dear friend,” says Dean Prevost, CEO of Corus Orthodontists. “She is a trailblazer, inspiring peers, elevating the specialty and paving the way for women in orthodontics.” This past year, Dr. WIlliams received the prestigious Arthur A. Dugoni Lifetime Achievement Award from the Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists. She was only the 10th recipient in 16 years, and the first woman and first Canadian. “To be acknowledged by my peers for contributing to orthodontics, that was humbling,” she says. Dr. Michele Williams: Inspiring Excellence Michele was not just Lesley’s identical twin—she was her teammate on Canada’s national field hockey team and a lifelong source of inspiration. In her career, Michele became a “bridge scientist,” collaborating seamlessly between bench research and clinical care. She did extensive work in oral cancer prevention and contributed to the development of the VELscope, a fluorescence-based screening device capable of detecting precancerous and cancerous lesions not visible to the naked eye. She became the first woman Chief Examiner for Orthodontics at the RCDC, overseeing the credentialing process for orthodontists nationwide. For over a decade, Dr. Williams and a team of orthodontists helped shape the way future Canadian orthodontic specialists were evaluated, ensuring that new graduates and new orthodontists to Canada met both the clinical and ethical standards the profession demands. Following the success of the RCDC in Canada, the American Board of Orthodontists (ABO) made changes to its examination process and formally acknowledged the influence the RCDC had in this evolution. Internationally, Dr. Williams has represented Canadian orthodontists at the ABO, where she served as one of two Canadians ever appointed as examiners. “Lesley and I became diplomates of the ABO together,” says colleague Dr. Paul Helpard. “While some ABO candidates are invited to present one of their treated cases that demonstrates their clinical capabilities at the ABO annual meeting, Lesley was asked to present all 10 of hers! I don’t think that had ever happened before.” In 2019, Dr. Williams became a founding doctorpartner and director of Corus Orthodontists, a network of orthodontic practices. “Lesley’s career is nothing short of inspiring, and we are fortunate to count her as a founding Orthodontics has enriched my life, shaping me as a thinker, clinician, leader and human being. I have developed remarkable lifelong friendships on this exceptional journey. Dr. Williams (l.), receiving her Arthur A. Dugoni Lifetime Achievement Award, with Dr. Mary Cooke of the Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontics. 30 | 2026 | Issue 1 Issues and People
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTE5MTI=