Alumni Connections Fall/Winter 2019-2020

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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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