Meet our Members: Dr. Patrick Canonne

GETTING TO BETTER KNOW THE MEMBERS OF THE ACADEMY

DR. PATRICK CANONNE

Past President, LOC Chair, 2021 CAPD/ACDP – AAPD Joint Conference

Why did you choose to specialize in pediatric dentistry?

Pediatric dentistry goes hand-in-hand with other dental and medical specialties. It relates to orofacial development, oral and global health, and behavior with growing individuals, compromised or not. It’s a very challenging field and provides the opportunity to care for clients from infancy through the maturing process. The personal interaction with this growing population is very rewarding.

Where did you do your training?

University of Montréal

What do you enjoy most about your career?

The spontaneity of kids, behavior changes with the special needs patients, and the long term impact on global health. Working ambience with kids.

What is the most misunderstood aspect about Pediatric Dentistry?

The importance of pediatric dentistry on global health of the individual: growth guidance, school performance, eating habits.... importance of understanding very early warning signs: recognition of behavior problems, breathing problems etc. Children are not small adults. They are in the process of becoming adults.

Pandemie…

You are a Past President of CAPD/ACDP. How and why did you get involved in the association? What other industry volunteer roles have you undertaken?

I was impressed by the volunteer involvement of my predecessors for long period of time (8 years minimum) and the vitality of the group from Atlantic to Pacific, North to South. Prior to this I was involved with the Quebec Association of Pediatric Dentists for 10 years, volunteer with First Nations families’ dental education in the evenings during my different working contracts up North for 11 years, volunteer in a fugitive shelter administration...

Dr. Patrick Canonne Cont’d

Do you have advice for Pediatric Dentists today regarding the importance (and satisfaction) of volunteering your time?

It is another way to see our profession, to appreciate what we have, to get our feet back to the ground, meet people from other backgrounds, countries, cultures...and at the same time increase your knowledge, empathy and giving back to our society.

As the Chair of the Local Organizing Committee for the CAPD/ACDP – AAPD Joint Conference in September 2021, what does this Conference mean to you and what message do you have for CAPD/ACDP members to attend this event?

The CAPD/ACDP Annual Conferences are very stimulating as you meet colleagues in person from other provinces and countries to exchange ideas, to enhance your skills even if it’s only a small amount, by learning/reviewing new subjects and new techniques. You also get to meet and chat with the new blood…the younger generation of Pediatric Dentists, and share the feeling of being together with the same educational and social goals in mind. I am hoping that the Virtual Joint Conference with the AAPD will motivate our members to pursue their same speciality goals.

At the CAPD/ACDP Annual Conference in Banff, with Dr. Jennifer MacLellan, the current President

Gazing at the Crystal Ball, what innovations in the profession do you foresee (or dream about) for the future?

My hope is to see stem cells involved in dentistry to replace damaged teeth, missing teeth ...noisy instruments replaced…dentistry recognized as part of global health, helicopter parents disappeared ...... easy access to our older special needs patients dental and medical care....

As you seem to lead a fairly busy life, what do you do to relax and unwind?

Travel! I love South America, Europe when possible, gardening, sailing, family, meeting with close friends for special dinners, international news, international humor, scientific news…

Dr. Patrick Canonne Cont’d

Patrick’s sense of humour has always been one of his hallmarks. He submitted these two cartoons to bring a smile…