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2019 Bulyea Cup recipient Dr. Bill Preshing Page 12
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DDS & DH Alumni president messages Meet the next generation of movers & shakers in teaching CDE upcoming events & courses Providing special needs dental care at forefront of Bulyea Cup recipient’s journey Lifetime membership award for dental hygiene ambassador ADA&C Award of Excellence presented to Les Campbell ADA&C Distinguished Medal of Service presented to Trudy & Blaine Aucoin Family practice boasts UAlberta grads Class of ‘69 class reunion
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ALUMNI PRESIDENT MESSAGES 4
DH program moving forward Despite our rainy summer, I am thrilled to move into the fall season! The University of Alberta Dental Hygiene program has been through many changes over the years. One that I am particularly excited for is the recent movement from a diploma program to a degree program. When the Dental Hygiene program
Rebecca Lee
DH Alumni President DH ‘12
started in 1961, there were 20 students accepted to a two-year program and only two practicing dental hygienists in Alberta. Fast forward to 2019 where our first group of dental hygiene students will enter their fourth and final year of the new degree program. With this step forward, dental hygienists graduating from the University of Alberta will have a greater scope of practice and be even better equipped to pave new paths in our profession. I am proud to witness the growth of our profession and the direction it is heading towards. We can see dental hygienists being empowered by owning their own independent practice, being involved in ground-breaking research, and providing much needed public health care. As this list continues to expand, my hope is to see dental hygienists given greater opportunities to work in a variety of places and environments. The footsteps we make now will allow future students to take our profession to new and exciting directions.
Building stronger relationships As we welcome the new fall season, there’s a lot for us to reflect on and be proud of that has happened in the last few months. We are fortunate and proud to be a part of one of the best dental schools and professions. Our colleagues are always
Mintoo Basahti
DDS Alumni President DDS ‘88
committing themselves to further improving access to dental care for everyone. Drs. Trudy and Blaine Aucoin were recently recognized for such efforts like these to the underserved populations by being awarded the Alberta Dental Association & College (ADA&C) Distinguished Medal of Service. Dr. Les Campbell received the ADA&C Award of Excellence which recognizes the societal impact a dentist makes. Not only are our colleagues being recognized, but our young alumni is finding ways to give back. As we mentor a new generation of dental professionals, we are proud to see alumni – especially recent graduates - come back to teach. This impacts education profoundly. It allows alumni to utilize their experiences to benefit our current learners. To see these young professionals recognize their passion and dedicate their careers to teaching is priceless! It’s humbling to see alumni make such great strides and always work towards exceeding professional standards. It’s going to be a great year, there is much more to come.
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MEET the NEXT GENERA movers & shakers in teach When Kimi Khabra began university
their student’s success and is
she hadn’t chosen her career path
passionate about teaching. During
just yet. She chose to job shadow a
my time in the dental hygiene
lot of different health care disciplines
program, I had various professors
before applying in to dental hygiene.
who I believe were committed to my
So what sold her in the end? The
learning and that is what I strive to
patient interaction.
achieve in my teaching encounters.
“My favourite thing about my
Tell us about a time that made
profession is the relationships I get
you feel, “yes, this is why I
to build with my patients,” she says.
teach.”
“I love the fact that I get to see my
During my first-year of teaching
patients multiple times a year over
full-time at another institution, some
their lifetime.”
of my students were struggling with the content in my pharmacology
What inspired you to teach?
course. As a new educator, I was
During my last year in dental
challenged to “fix” this problem. I
hygiene school, I worked on a
implemented some changes in my
research project with one of my
teaching approach, which not only
professors, late Dr. Sandra
helped the students but promoted
Cobban. She was a great educator,
more engagement. My students
role model and an inspiration to me.
commented on the benefits of the
She encouraged me to explore my
changes and how it promoted their
options in dental hygiene and now,
learning. It was great to get that
here I am.
feedback from them and it’s what keeps me teaching!
What do you enjoy the most about teaching?
If you could give advice to
I like the challenge. I often refer to teaching as an art. Let’s just say I
students currently enrolled in the
haven’t created a masterpiece, it’s
While the program is challenging
always a work in progress for me.
and demanding of your time, it’s
program, what would it be?
important to find a balance. Make What do you strive for as a
time for yourself, friends and family.
teacher? I believe a good educator is
That is the key to getting through the
someone who is truly committed to
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next 3 years!
Kimi Khabra Dental Hygiene 2012
Comprehensive Care Dental Hygiene Lead
ATION of hing
All four are School of Dentistry graduates and have found their way to the front of the classroom
Reid Friesen always knew he wanted
found the best teachers to be the ones
to work in the healthcare field, but it
who would provide clinical relevance to
wasn’t until he became an oral medicine
their topics. As a teacher in a professional
residency student that he discovered his
program, the ultimate goal is to help
passion for teaching. And his career went
produce competent and ethical dentists/
in a different direction.
dental hygienists. I strive to provide students with knowledge and skills
What inspired you to
through current, research-based
teach?
material, while developing attitudes that
After completing my dental
value respectful and quality patient care.
degree and working for a year as a general dentist, I
Tell us about a time that made you feel,
specialized in Oral Medicine
“yes this is why I teach.”
at the University of Alberta.
I was with a dental hygiene student who
During my residency, I had
was able to successfully identify and
the opportunity to engage
diagnose a leukoplakia lesion (a form of
with dental and dental
oral precancer), in their own patient on
hygiene students in different
the clinic floor. The student’s ability to
capacities. I truly enjoyed
apply what they had learned in my class
these experiences, and that
may have saved a patient’s life. It showed
provided the impetus for me
the strong link between knowledge and
to continue my academic
practice.
career. If you could give advice to students What do you enjoy the
currently enrolled in the program, what
most about teaching?
would it be?
Reid Friesen
My favourite aspect of teaching is
Seek out and gain as much knowledge
Dentistry 2014
seeing students be able to translate the
from as many practitioners as
knowledge gained in the classroom into a
possible during your time in clinic. Once
clinical setting. This reinforces to me, as
you complete dental school, the grades
an educator, the importance of teaching,
you received are not important, rather
as these students will ultimately become
your ability to communicate and provide
practicing clinicians responsible for
the best care to your patients will bring
improving the care of patients and
you professional success. And engage
carrying the dental profession forward.
in activities where you develop
Assistant Clinical Professor, Oral Medicine & Pathology
colleagueship with your classmates. What do you strive for as a teacher?
Personal and professional relationships
During my time as a student, I always
are important.
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Coming back to teach dental hygiene
good teacher. Teachers must know what
after completing her degree was an easy
they teach, must teach with gentleness,
decision for Nadia Kobagi. She was a
and in an empathetic way.
teenager working at a government funding day support program for adults with
Tell us about a time that made you feel,
intellectual and physical limitations,
“yes, this is why I teach.”
when she realized that helping and
Last year I had the pleasure of having 5
encouraging people was where she
students select a specialized module in
found her real passion.
their fourth year of study. This module is focused on
“I enjoyed making our day in helping
providing care to
support community members feel
various population
comfortable which established trust and
groups in various
fostered an overall positive environment.
settings. I have witnessed these
What inspired you to teach?
students develop their
The teachers that educated me as a dental
clinical skills and their
hygiene student really inspired me to come
professional skills
back and teach. The instructors really went
since they were in year
above and beyond for us as students and
two. By year four, they
ensured that we were well equipped before
were champions of
venturing into the work force. That passion
the profession. They
they had translated into their students,
would jump in to any
which is one of the reasons I am here. I
situation ready to take
also enjoy the pursuit of lifelong learning
on whatever complexity
and growing.
the patient or the environment present
What do you enjoy the most about
with. At the end of the
teaching?
term, when I reflected
I love seeing the changes in students as
back, I thought yes this
they progress throughout the years of the
is why I teach.
program. I love when I get to witness their
Nadia Kobagi
confidence growing. Those “ah-ha”
If you could give
moments are priceless. Showing students
advice to students
that they can complete dental hygiene
currently enrolled
therapy in alternative practice settings and
in the program, what
encouraging them to advocate for their
would it be?
patients is pretty special.
It is challenging – but don’t let those
Dental Hygiene 2012
Assistant Clinical Professor
challenges bring you down. Continue What do you strive for as a teacher?
to work hard, be kind, sleep well and
I think knowledge, kindness, and
remember that you are caring for others
compassion are the key ingredients for a
who may also be struggling.
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Fern Leavens didn’t know she wanted to be
favorite teaching encounters are when I
a dentist – in fact her first degree was
have a learner who is really struggling with
in mathematics. Even in second-year of
something, and I am able to assist them in
university she wasn’t entirely sure what
gaining the knowledge or skills to
she wanted to do. But while doing
overcome the obstacle. It is so nice to
computer-based research, which she admits
watch the students gain knowledge and
was enjoyable, she realized she wanted
technical skills and grow into confident,
to be able to do something where she was
skilled professionals.
able to interact with others. What do you strive for as a teacher? “I have always liked helping people and
My best teachers were always those who
thought health care was a good fit,” says
built me up and had confidence in my
Leavens. “I started shadowing in dentistry
abilities. This requires the teacher to
and realized I love
assume the best of their students and
it. It is a great mix of
encourage them to always be striving for
working with people,
further improvements. One of my most
technical skills and
impactful mentors always referred to us as
health care.”
his ‘future colleagues’ and reminded us that we would all be teaching him things soon.
What inspired you to teach?
Tell us about a time that made you feel,
As I child and young
“yes, this is why I teach.”
adult, people always
Not one specific time, but just in general
assumed that I would
seeing the sense of pride that students
become a teacher. I
gain through mastering skills that they have
was always teaching
struggled with reminds me frequently why
my classmates and
I love teaching. It also reminds me why
mentoring others,
dentistry itself is such a rewarding career.
it has always come naturally to me. I love
If you could give advice to students
finding ways to help
currently enrolled in the program, what
people understand new
would it be?
concepts or master
I would pass on some advice that was given
new skills. When I
to me as a first year student: I was told that
Fern Leavens
was training in dentistry, I always
the four years of the program would fly by
assumed that one day I would
(and trust me they do), but that the most
Dentistry 2016
come back and teach.
important thing I could do was to embrace
Assistant Clinical Professor, Special Needs Dentistry
every learning opportunity. There are many What do you enjoy the most
ways to meet your requirements, but your
about teaching?
goal over the program is to graduate feeling
I really love passing knowledge
confident and competent to do your job.
and skills onto others. It is both
There are so many skills clinicians to
challenging and exciting to find new ways
learn from at the U of A, and the more
to meet people where they are at and help
experiences and opportunities you embrace
them get to where they need to be. My
while here, the better clinician you will be.
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Upcoming Courses Continuing Dental Education The University of Alberta, Continuing Dental Education
discrepancy. Course offered: November 1-3 in Calgary,
program has some very exciting courses coming up. Not
January 3-4 in Jasper and April 17-19 in Edmonton.
only can you count on CDE for our array of programs including Sedation programs, Aesthetics programs and
Some of our well-established courses will now be offered
Periodontics to name a few, but we also have some
in some great new locales. Neuromodulators Level 2 & 3
exciting new offerings through 2019 and 2020.
and Cone Beam CT Certification will be offered in Fabulous Las Vegas. Spend the November long
We are offering a brand new program with Dr James
weekend in Las Vegas while earning your certification.
Mah; Clear aligner Therapy series. This 3 level program is
Neuromodulator level 2 & 3, Nov 8-9. CBCT Nov 9-10. As
designed for general dentists who have an interest in in-
well, CBCT will also be offered in Banff February 7-9 at
troducing Clear Aligner Therapy into their practice or wish
the annual Banff Updater.
to educate themselves in treating more complex cases. This program will touch on the manufacturer options of
You can look forward to a great calendar of courses for
Clear Aligners and their different product offerings and
2020 with many fantastic courses to wrap up 2019. Visit
will address simple cases to treating moderately
us online at ualberta.ca/school-of-dentistry/continu-
difficult malocclusions with an anteroposterior
ing-dental-education for a full calendar of courses.
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October Courses October 17 October 17 October 19-20 October 23 October 25-27 October 25-26 October 26 October 27
November Courses November 5 November 7 November 8 November 8-9 November 8-9 November 9-10 November 14 November 14 November 15 November 15-17 November 15-17 November 16-17 November 26 November 22-24
Orthodontic Module - Theory Component Local Anesthetic Module - Theory Component Hands-on Perio: Soft Tissue Grafting l Crown Lengthening IV Integrated Conscious Sedation Program - Session 2 IV Integrated Conscious Sedation Program - Two Drug Only Neuromodulators Level 1 Boychuk Memorial Orthodontic Lecture Airway Management - Dental Emergency Medicine
Focus on Dental Health - Dentin Hypersensitivity l Acid Erosion & GSK Therapeutic Solutions Focus on Dental Health - Dentin Hypersensitivity l Acid Erosion & GSK Therapeutic Solutions Creating Endodontic Excellence - Dr. Cliff Ruddle Neuromodulators Level 2 l Las Vegas Neuromodulators Level 3 l Las Vegas Cone Beam CT (CBCT) for Dentists l Las Vegas Orthodontic Module - Theory Component Local Anesthetic Module - Theory Component Cone Beam CT (CBCT) for RDA/RDH Local Anesthetic Module - Clinical Component Neuromodulators Level 2 & 3 Neuromodulators Assistants Pediatric Lecture Series: Sleep Apnea in Children Orthodontic Module - Clinical Component
To register visit https://www.ualberta.ca/school-of-dentistry/continuing-dental-education
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Providing special needs d forefront of Bulyea Cup r Known for his dedication in helping improve access to
caring for people with disabilities, head and neck cancer,
special needs dental care and making the general
pre-open heart surgery and pre-transplant. It’s
practice dental residency program one of the most
challenging but so rewarding. It’s never routine and
sought after placements across Canada, Dr. Bill
I still learn new things every day.”
Preshing is the 2019 recipient of the Bulyea Cup. In addition to serving as the director of the GPR For the past 28 years, Preshing has been director of the
program, Preshing has held a number of other
GPR program and the University Hospital Dental Clinic.
positions that included: division head for external
His passion is next to none when it comes to providing
and postgraduate programs (GPR, TMD, Satellite
care for special needs patients.
clinics, SHINE and Glenrose), chair of the Dentistry Academic Standing Committee, and delivering lectures
“I was completely overwhelmed when I got the message
in the diagnosis and management of medically
from Dr. Major. It is a great honour and I’m very humbled
compromised patients. He teaches dentistry and dental
by this,” says Preshing. “I feel very fortunate to have had
hygiene students about clinical care for patients with
the opportunity to be a part of the school and the hospital
severe medical problems and/or disabilities.
through my career. I’ve worked alongside so many great people in both places, and it’s a constant privilege to be
Before joining the School of Dentistry as a faculty
a part of the development of our students and residents.”
member in 1988, Preshing was in general dentistry private practice here in Edmonton for three years. He
For Preshing, the Bulyea Cup represents the
says he didn’t find this particularly fulfilling, so he took a
responsibility everyone shares in dentistry to care
teaching fellowship to move away from clinical practice.
for the most vulnerable people.
He went back to private practice in 1995, but it wasn’t long before he realized it wasn’t for him and that his
When he started at the hospital dental clinic in 1991,
main interest was in teaching and delivering special care
its role and relationship to the school was quite limited.
dentistry.
Preshing was the lone dentist working with 3 residents. Today, the high-impact integration between the two units
Preshing says that he is fortunate in many ways, as his
has allowed the hospital clinic to have a dedicated
reflection on life confirmed that what he’s been doing all
group of 5 staff dentists, over twenty registered dental
these years is what he’s always wanted to do. He loves
assistants and support staff.
the tremendous variety and challenge that comes with being a special care dentist.
“I never imagined at the time I graduated I would end up where I am today, and to have enjoyed the challenges in
The Bulyea Cup is the highest honour that the School of
helping teach while caring for people with a huge range
Dentistry confers on its faculty members, members of the
of health concerns,” says Preshing. “It’s still exciting for
dental and dental hygiene professions, and members of
me to be able to work with our residents and students in
the community.
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dental care at recipient’s journey
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Lifetime membership award for dental hygiene ambassador
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Sharon Compton (DH ’80, PhD ’02) is the 2019
award. When I reflect on the accomplishments of the
recipient of the Canadian Dental Hygiene Association
other 29 individuals, I am very humbled to be included
(CDHA) Life Membership Award. This award is
in this group. My academic career spans from 1984
given to an individual who has made an outstanding
and in the early nineties, I became involved with the
contribution to both the profession of dental hygiene
profession at a provincial level. As director of the
and the association at a national level.
dental hygiene program at the University of Alberta since 2002, I became more involved with
Under Compton’s leadership, the dental hygiene
issues impacting the profession at a national level. I
program at the School of Dentistry was recently
believe that my ability to be effective at a local level
expanded to a four-year bachelor’s degree program
as director of the education program has been
and in 2014 started the first master’s program in dental
significantly influenced by my involvement in issues
hygiene in Canada. In 2015, Compton was also the
impacting the profession at a national and international
recipient of the CDHA Distinguished Service Award –
level.
another prestigious recognition of her contributions to the field of dental hygiene.
When I heard I was receiving the Life Membership award, I first thought, but I have so much more to do!
Compton began her teaching career in 1984 as a
Have I achieved enough to be recognized for my “life’s
clinical instructor and couldn’t be more thankful about
work”? I am passionate about ensuring the profession
being recognized by her peers. Early in her academic
progresses in a direction that will best serve oral health
career, she served as president of the Alberta Dental
care needs for all people and I am committed to en-
Hygienists Association. Later, Compton had a
suring I do my part in this. When I look at the accom-
national leadership role as Chair of the CDHA
plishments of past awardees, I believe they shared the
Educators Advisory Committee that continues to
same perspective and inner compass that guided their
evolve and unite dental hygiene educators from across
ambition to serve and contribute to the bigger picture
the country, providing a forum for communication and
of the profession. I am truly honored to be recognized
sharing ideas and resources specific to advancing
by my peers who believe I have contributed to the
dental hygiene education. Compton has championed
profession in a meaningful way. I know I have more to
deepening dental hygiene foundational education and
do and this recognition energizes me to strategically
has pushed for increased programming to more fully
reflect on what the next step or direction will be!”
align with the national dental hygiene competencies and ensure graduates are highly prepared to practice with their full scope of practice.
Sharon Compton Professor & Director, Dental Hygiene Program Associate Chair (Dental Hygiene)
“Since the first CDHA Life Membership award was
Director, Educational Research & Scholarship Unit
given in 1975, I am the 30th individual to receive the
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ADA&C Award of Excellence presented to Les Campbell 16
Congratulations to the School of Dentistry’s very own endodontist Les Campbell on receiving the Alberta Dental Association & College (ADA&C) Award of Excellence. The Award of Excellence is given by the ADA&C to a dentist to recognize their significant contributions to society at large and/or the dental profession. It also recognizes outstanding contributions to the dental profession at the corporate, academic, specialty, society, council, or committee level. “I was very humbled to be receiving this prestigious award,” says Campbell. “I had a mix of emotions. Being recognized by one’s peers was really special and completely unexpected. I can think of many others that would be equally as deserving.” Campbell joined the school in January 2017. Campbell served in the Canadian Armed Forces in Afghanistan and Haiti. Campbell worked in the Combat Hospital in Southern Afghanistan in 2005/06. He treated soldiers and sometimes local citizens, especially if they had trauma. In Haiti, he was employed as the Canadian Forces Forensic Odontologist in theatre, and identified Canadian victims of the earthquake through dental records. “I helped bring closure to families by identifying victims of the earthquake, so they could move forward with their lives,” says Campbell. “It was a tough task but rewarding in other ways.” Today, Campbell says he focuses on influencing and motivating students on the three pillars that are important to him – compassion, curiosity and communication. “Compassion means looking after people when it might not be very convenient for you, and reaching out for help when you (students) are not sure what to do. I want to invoke a life-long curiosity about the discipline and profession,” he says. “The better my students can communicate, the better leaders, clinicians and peers they will become. Knowing the difference in how to explain a treatment plan to a patient, how to communicate to office staff or exchanging ideas with a specialist will make them better dentists and community leaders.”
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ADA&C Distinguished Medal of Service presented to Trudy & Blaine Aucoin The School of Dentistry is proud to announce that
“The profession of dentistry has been very good to our
the Alberta Dental Association & College (ADA&C)
family and we find the ability to help people improve
Distinguished Medal of Service was presented to our very
and maintain excellent oral health care is our greatest
own clinical professors Trudy and Blaine Aucoin.
accomplishment,” he says, adding they purchased a practice in Hinton in 1989 and operated it for 25 years before
The Distinguished Medal of Service is provided to a dentist
deciding to move back to Edmonton in 2009 and teach at
who has provided outstanding service to the profession
the University of Alberta. “This was to be closer to family
and/or public at the international, national, provincial,
and also to begin another phase of our career back at the
dental society and/or local level.
university where it all began. We feel very blessed that after 25 years of operating our own private practice we are able
“The award was a pleasant surprise and we were very
to share our knowledge and experience with a new
honoured to be nominated and selected,” says Blaine. “We
generation of dental professionals.”
were impressed by the contributions to the profession of the dentistry of the other recipients and we felt privileged to
When it comes to teaching and being a part of the
share the stage with them.”
education team at the School of Dentistry, both agree it’s not just about what they can teach the students, but it is
The Aucoin’s, who met in dental school at the university,
what they learn from them at the same time.
dental journey has led them on many adventures over the past 30 years. And a fair majority of their dental career
“We are excited to be part of the curriculum renewal and
has been dedicated to improving access to dental care
we look forward to learning to improve the delivery of
for people in third world countries and their own
clinical education,” says Trudy. “We enjoy our time on the
communities. Whether it be through global dental missions
clinic floor interacting with students and their patients. The
trips or the SHINE clinic and organizing fundraisers for the
dental school requires efforts from so many people and it is
Boyle McCauley Health Centre Dental Clinic, both Trudy
great to be part of such a fantastic team.”
and Blaine are committed to their patients and students.
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We are very honored to receive the ADA&C Distinguished Medal of Service. We would like to congratulate the other Honorees and their contributions to the dental profession and the community at large. We appreciate that the ADA&C selected both of us for the award. We have been very blessed during our 30 year career in Dentistry. It has been an incredible journey. We purchased a practice in Hinton, Alberta in 1989 which we operated for 25 years. We had an amazing team to support us. We were embraced by the community and got involved in many sporting and community organizations. We raised 2 great sons (we may be a little biased) who did not become dentists (we may have complained about work too much) but they are both pursuing their dreams. We decided to make a change in 2009. We put our practice up for sale and began a transition to move into Edmonton. This was to be closer to family and also to begin another phase of our career back at the University of Alberta where it all began. It is a privilege for us to teach at the University of Alberta, School of Dentistry. We are very proud to be part of a wonderful education team. Our move has provided us with the opportunity to meet and work with so many great people. We have been fortunate to be involved with Dentistry for All, Shine Dentistry, the Boyle McCauley Dental Clinic and the Edmonton and District Dental Society. There are so many amazing people in our profession that are dedicated to improving access to dental care for people in third world countries and our own communities. All of them worthy of this recognition. We are very pleased that the ADA&C has created the Alberta Dental Foundation to support community projects to improve the oral health for individuals who have limited access to care. Trudy and Blaine AuCoin
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Family practice boasts 5 UAlberta grads 20
When the Cameron’s started their own dental
Cameron Dental is hands down the best dentist
practice in 2015 in Fort Saskatchewan, Cameron
I’ve been to!! I have recommend this place to all my
Dental, they didn’t imagine their entire dental team
family and friends. The girls at the front desk are
would be made up of fellow U of A graduates.
super friendly. The dentists and hygienist do an amazing job providing you the best comfort possi-
All Jason (DDS ‘2003) and Tammy (DDS ‘2012)
ble and are really knowledgeable explaining every
knew was, they wanted to create an environment
question you have. I always have a great experience
that focused on patient-centered care and that made
when I come here! Their prices are reasonable as
going to the dentist a more enjoyable experience for
well. Not going anywhere else!
everyone from staff to patients. What did you enjoy the most in dental school? “We are a young family growing in the same city Jason, my husband grew up in,” says Tammy, adding
Jason Cameron (DDS ‘03) – The School of Dentistry
that when she first met Jason, she didn’t even know
teaching method is very patient-centered focused
he was a dentist – let alone having graduated from
and this prepared us well. I enjoyed the Northern
the same school. “We think and treat our patients
rotations in school so much that I ended up working
very similarly. We want them to know we value their
up there for 10 years.
time and are grateful for their support.” Tammy Cameron (DDS ‘12) – I found that because When Jason and Tammy got married, the duo moved
the instructors covered a lot of different aspects of
to Fort Saskatchewan where Jason had grown up
dentistry, as students it gave us a lot of insight and
and where his parents reside. They now have two
information in to what could influence patient
practices in the city, Cameron Dental and Cameron
treatment plans.
Dental Westpark. Hailey Hutton (DDS ’17) – Outreach programs like “All our staff is local to the area,” says Jason, adding
SHINE and the Boyle McCauley Health Centre
the second location was opened after outgrowing
Dental Clinic rotation was an important part of my
their current space. “We’ve hired them based on their
education. As students we experienced and saw
empathy, knowledge and ability to make patients feel
first-hand the importance of improving access to
welcome. We went from a staff of 6 to a staff of 20 in
care.
less than five years.” Kaylyn Sissons (DDS ’15) - I loved going to the U of According to Jason what makes Cameron
A because of all the great hands on experience we
Dental appeal to families is the warm and nurturing
got, but more importantly all the great people I met
environment they have created.
who have become lifelong friends.
“Our kids are here to greet patients at times,” he
Lindsey Sunada (DDS ’19) – The U of A is really
says. “We’re down to earth and will provide as much
good at building a community around the classes
information as possible on treatment options.”
and programs you are in. We helped each other get through the program and made memories along the
Majority of the patients at Cameron Dental resonate
way.
the same sentiments. Here is one example of an online review.
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Class of ‘69 celebra Celebrating their 50th reunion, the Class of ‘69 headed back to
highlight,” says Ken Strong, the class representative. “We
where it all began - the University of Alberta. The reunion saw
have come a long way!”
29 alumni come out to and reminisce about their dental school days, Sept. 5.
The class holds a reunion every five years in various locations like Jasper, Edmonton, Vancouver, Victoria, Washington and
“For many, the new dental school tour with all the
other places.
advancements in technology, along with a much more relaxed and sensible approach to learning, was a real
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A few highlights from the reunion included an evening at
ates 50-year reunion Hotel MacDonald where a reception and dinner was held.
Strong was elected as the class representative shortly before
The following day included a first-time visit to the Oral Health
or on the last day of classes in dental school.
Clinic in the Kaye Edmonton Clinic. “We had a very successful 50-year union,” says Strong. “Some “The tour was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone and there were
of the biggest changes we saw included more clinic time, an
a lot of questions about the clinic and its operations,” says
equal mix of genders, and the changes in technology and
Strong. “Both days were fun and in general catching up and
sterilization procedures.”
visiting each other.”
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