CDA Award Winners Honoured Member Award This award is given to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the dental profession, the dental community or the oral health of Canadians over a sustained period of time at the academic, corporate, specialty society, council, commission or committee level. Since 2004, Mr. Anthony Patey has served as executive director of the Newfoundland and Labrador Dental Association (NLDA) with outstanding dedication and vision. Under his leadership, the NLDA was transformed into a strategic, respected and influential organization at the provincial and national levels. Mr. Patey’s mentorship nurtured a generation of NLDA leaders, many of whom have taken on key roles within dental associations across Canada. At the provincial level, he re-engaged the government in discussions on dental fees and compensation—dialogue that had been dormant since 1992. His principled and diplomatic approach helped establish a collaborative and transparent relationship, which brought about lasting progress. At the national level, a key achievement was founding the Atlantic Dental Executive Committee, which strengthened interprovincial cooperation and gave the Atlantic region a greater presence in national dental affairs. Even in retirement, Mr. Patey’s contributions continue. The NLDA Board entrusted him with overseeing preparations for the joint CDA/NLDA Convention, being held in St. John’s this August—a testament to his enduring leadership and commitment to the profession. Dr. Amarjit Rihal has dedicated his talent and energy to volunteering at the professional, regulatory and academic level. Since graduating from the University of Manitoba (U of M) in 1995, Dr. Rihal has held the role of course director at the U of M College of Dentistry. He has served as president of the MDA, contributed extensively to the National Dental Examining Board of Canada and the Canadian Dental Regulatory Authorities Federation. He served as chair of the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC) from 2015 to 2021. He currently serves on the executive of the International Society of Dental Regulators. His involvement with CDA includes roles on the Future of the Profession Task Force and Dentistry Leaders’ Forum. For 50 years, Ms. Linda Teteruck has been a steadfast and guiding presence at CDA. Her distinguished career, marked by dedication and respect, has significantly influenced CDA’s development across generations. From student affairs to communications, to membership and governance, she has provided vital support to nearly every major committee and initiative within CDA. Her institutional knowledge, steady professionalism, and gracious support have made her an invaluable resource to CDA staff, leadership, and board members alike. Linda is a pillar of continuity, and her influence has touched countless dentists and programs at CDA. Her legacy is one of service, integrity and deep commitment to the profession. She has made a lasting impact not just through the work she performed, but through the way she performed it. Mr. Anthony Patey Dr. Amarjit Rihal Ms. Linda Teteruck Mr. Patey was unable to attend the Awards luncheon in May. He will be presented with his award at the National Oral Health Convention in St. John’s, NL, which takes place August 27-30, 2025. I’m truly honoured to receive this award. This recognition reflects the collective dedication of my colleagues and mentors who have inspired me along the way. It has been a privilege to contribute to the dental profession and the oral health care of Canadians. This award motivates me to continue striving and advocating for our profession. Let’s keep working together to make a positive impact in the lives of our patients. I’m truly honoured and humbled to receive this award. My sincere thanks to the CDA Board of Directors for this incredible recognition. When I began at CDA in 1975, this was my first “real job.” ABBA had a hit song then, “Take a Chance on Me,” and that’s exactly what CDA did. From typing on an electric typewriter and packing boxes in the basement, to travelling across Canada, working with students, conventions, communications, and governance—I’ve been incredibly lucky to grow alongside this organization. Along the way, I’ve met remarkable colleagues, mentors, and friends. I’m especially grateful to Drs. Ron Markey and Don McFarland for the nomination, to Dr. Aaron Burry, Donna Bierko, the CDA Board, and all my staff colleagues—past and present. Your support and friendship have meant the world to me. To have spent nearly 50 years with CDA has been more than a career. My heart will remember always. Thank you for taking a chance on me. 12 | 2025 | Issue 4
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