CDA Award Winners Oral Health Promotion Award This award recognizes individuals or organizations who have improved the oral health of Canadians through oral health promotion. As the CEO of Welcome Hall Mission since 2016, Mr. Sam Watts has championed the belief that oral health is fundamental to overall health and well-being. Under his leadership, a groundbreaking partnership with McGill University’s faculty of dental medicine and oral health sciences led to the creation of the Jim Lund Dental Clinic, which provides free, comprehensive dental care to individuals experiencing poverty and hardship. The clinic has become essential, serving patients that might otherwise go without treatment. Mr. Watts has also helped create a unique model where compassionate care, professional education, and community service intersect. The clinic serves as an important training site for dental students, residents, and dental hygiene students while fostering a commitment to serving vulnerable populations. His support for a major expansion that will double the clinic’s capacity further demonstrates his commitment to reducing barriers to care and improving oral health outcomes for those most in need. Mr. Sam Watts “This clinic, with 6 modern operatories, is part of a robust partnership that has endured for more than 15 years. With McGill’s faculty of dental medicine and oral health sciences, we have proven that the best place to provide entry-level engagement with people who have difficulty accessing dental care is in the community and in a modern, welcoming setting. People who struggle to make ends meet don’t deserve our second best. They deserve our best. Importantly, this clinic also promotes a critical truth that oral health care is part of the overall continuum of health care. I am pleased and humbled to accept this award on behalf of the team here at Welcome Hall Mission and our partners at McGill. Thanks to CDA for your recognition and for this award.” – Mr. Watts Dr. Jack Gerrow (r.), the CDA Medal of Honour recipient, was recognized during the Reception and President’s Dinner & Celebration of the Dental Profession, held on April 24, 2026, in Toronto. This special event provides an opportunity for colleagues and leaders from across the profession to celebrate outstanding contributions to Canadian dentistry. “I would like to sincerely thank CDA for choosing me to be a recipient of the Mentorship Advancement Award, which is for improving a sense of community among Canadian dentists. I strongly feel that we’re at a point in history where community happens less organically and really requires intentional development. When I think of the mentors that I’ve had throughout my life and career, I picture them leading me and guiding me, carving a path for me. The recognition of this in me helps me to really feel as though I’m part of the collective that’s helping to influence the path for the future. Thank you very much.” – Dr. Lori Simoens CDA sincerely thanks CDSPI, the event’s exclusive Diamond Sponsor, for its continued generous support in making this celebration possible. 16 | 2026 | Issue 4
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