CDA Essentials 2017 • Volume 3 • Issue 4

I ssues and P eople Dr. Markey earned his dental degree from McGill University in 1969 and completed a Master of Science in Dentistry, Orthodontics, from the University of Washington in 1974. His professional accomplishments have been widely recognized by many dental organizations, including the Pierre Fauchard Academy, American College of Dentists, CDA, Canadian Association of Orthodontists, and College of Dental Surgeons of British Columbia. He has been in practice in Vancouver and Delta since 1975. “The only advice my father ever gave me—and he was a business man—was be your own boss,” says Dr. Markey. “And it seemed like good advice to me.” Best memory serving as CDA president? I think I look back most fondly on the fact that at the 1988 AGM there was a motion to fund the development of something we called electronic data interchange (EDI)—and we know what that became! In a few years it became CDAnet (the system used by dentists today to send online dental claims). But that year, we were just starting to evaluate the potential of EDI, so it was nice to be on the ground floor when it took off. The other thing that’s stood out for me, while I was going through the ranks politically and since I’ve been chair, are the fantastic people—CDA staff and committed individuals from all over the country. I’ve been blessed to work with a number of good people, colleagues I like and respect and can have a lot of fun working with. How has the profession changed? So many things have changed: technology, public awareness, public attitudes, delivery systems that are more sophisticated. The concept of professionalism has changed; I think it’s been eroded a little bit. If you look at surveys, the profession is seen in a not-so-positive light by some people. I think you need to constantly work at that. There are so many things that Volume 3 Issue 4 | 27 Spotlight on RONMARKEY Dr. Ron Markey of Vancouver, British Columbia, has been actively involved in organized dentistry at the local, provincial and national levels for most of his career, including serving as CDA president from 1987–88. As Chair of the CDA Annual General Meeting (AGM)—this year marks his 10th and final year in that role—he’s witnessed decision-makers from Canadian dental organizations working together to find solutions to issues facing the profession. “They want what’s best for themselves, what’s best for the profession and what’s best for the public,” says Dr. Markey. “They all want to find solutions, and to leave the room feeling that everyone’s had a fair shake. As Chair, at the end of a meeting, I like being able to say it went smoothly, people had their say and feel they were treated with respect and courtesy.” Dr. Markey’s installation as the 68th President of CDA, with Dr. Nick Mancini, CDA’s first Chair Emeritus in foreground. Dr. Markey becomes only the second Chair in CDA’s history to be awarded the Chair Emeritus title.