CDA Award Winners Distinguished Service Award This award is given to recognize outstanding contributions to the dental profession, the dental community or the oral health of Canadians at large, in a given year or outstanding service over a number of years. Dr. Daniel Albert has devoted over 30 years to compassionate, skilled and respectful patient care. He has spent much of his career caring for special needs individuals facing dental access barriers. Through nearly three decades of hospital-based dentistry, he has provided essential care to patients requiring treatment under general anesthesia, ensuring that those with complex medical, physical, cognitive or behavioural challenges receive care in a safe and supportive environment. Dr. Albert’s impact extends beyond clinical practice. Through leadership roles with the Nova Scotia Dental Association (NSDA) and as chair of the Provincial Dental Board of Nova Scotia, he has helped guide the profession through periods of significant change, including the challenges of COVID-19. He consistently promotes patient-focused care, integrity and treatment for those in need. Through his leadership, compassion and enduring service, Dr. Albert has made a profound and lasting contribution to both the profession and the communities he serves. Throughout his career, Dr. Paul Major has played a transformative role in shaping dental education in Canada. As a leader at the University of Alberta’s School of Dentistry, he has guided the growth of one of the country’s premier dental programs, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration and academic excellence. His vision has helped ensure that future generations of dentists are well prepared to meet the evolving needs of patients and the profession. Through leadership roles as president of the Association of Canadian Faculties of Dentistry (ACFD) and the Canadian Association of Orthodontists (CAO), Dr. Major has strengthened collaboration among academic institutions, professional organizations and regulators, helping to advance initiatives that benefit dentistry nationwide. Dr. Major has greatly contributed to orthodontics and craniofacial science and his research and mentorship have advanced knowledge and inspired future leaders. Dr. Deborah Saunders has devoted her career to improving oral health for patients with complex challenges, especially those undergoing head and neck cancer treatment. Through her expertise in dental oncology, she has helped countless individuals regain function, comfort, and confidence while navigating the physical and emotional impacts of cancer treatment. Her compassionate, patient-centred approach has made a profound difference in the lives of those she serves. She’s an advocate for oral cancer prevention and has played a key role in oral cancer education, highlighting the HPV link. Her efforts increased awareness, encouraged early detection, and promoted better health. Dr. Saunders has expertise in cancer therapy, tobacco diseases, and oral-systemic health connections. Through her leadership and dedication, she has helped strengthen the role of dentistry in improving overall health and patient well-being. Dr. Daniel Albert Dr. Paul Major Dr. Deborah Saunders “What does it mean to serve your profession with distinction? Personally, my professional calling has been to provide comprehensive dental care to my community. This includes a significant special needs practice, which came with many challenges. However, these were greatly outweighed by the satisfaction of providing comprehensive care to this segment of the population. I want to thank the NSDA for providing me with many volunteering opportunities. I have learned so much about organized dentistry, and I have made friends across Canada with colleagues that I would not have met otherwise. In particular, I would like to thank Dr. Claire Karst, a special person who has worked tirelessly for our profession. Of course, none of this would’ve been possible without the love and unconditional support from my spouse and practice partner, Dr. Kilby Townshend, along with my children, David, Andree, and Emma. I’m truly humbled to receive recognition for doing what I enjoy and love.” – Dr. Albert “I’m deeply honoured and humbled to accept this award. It is not just a personal milestone. It reflects the incredible teams, mentors, students and collaborators who’ve shaped my professional journey. From my early years at the University of Alberta to my roles as chair and senior associate dean of Dental Affairs, I’ve been fortunate to be part of a community dedicated to excellence, innovation and service. I’ve always believed in the power of education, research, and mentorship to move our profession forward, whether through leading academic programs, supporting international dental graduates, or contributing to national initiatives through the ACFD and CAO. My goal has always been to strengthen the future of dentistry in Canada. This award affirms the importance of collective effort and sustained commitment to the dental community and to the oral health of Canadians. I accept it with deep gratitude and with renewed energy to continue serving this profession that has given me so much.” – Dr. Major 12 | 2026 | Issue 4
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