CDA Award Winners Distinguished Service Award This award is given to recognize outstanding contributions to the dental profession, the dental community or the oral health of Canadians at large, in a given year or outstanding service over a number of years. Dr. Marie Dagenais has been a leading figure in Canadian dentistry for many years, with a career spanning academic leadership, national board examinations and dental regulation. A specialist in oral and maxillofacial radiology, she has worked at the McGill faculty of dentistry as a professor and associate dean, academic. Dr. Dagenais’s influence expanded on the national level through key roles with the Association of Canadian Faculties of Dentistry (ACFD), the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada, and the National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB). She is also co-author of the ACFD Educational Framework, guiding competency development in dental programs across Canada and beyond. Her vision and dedication continue to shape the future of Canadian dentistry. Dr. Anthony Odenbach has devoted over 30 years to advancing dentistry in Alberta and across Canada. After graduating from the University of Alberta, he opened a practice in Red Deer, Alberta, where he became a respected clinician, mentor and community leader. He served as president of the Alberta Dental Association and College (ADA&C) in 2018–19, and chair of its Economic Committee. As interim CEO of the Alberta Dental Association (ADA), Dr. Odenbach helped to shape policy and organizational change. Nationally, he has served on several CDA committees, including the Future of the Profession Task Force, and the Governance Review Steering Committee, among others. Although he stepped back from full-time practise in 2021, Dr. Odenbach continues to serve as an advisor and consultant to the ADA. His dedication to patient care, professional advocacy, and community service makes him a model of compassionate leadership in Canadian dentistry. Dr. Cheryl Cable is a trailblazer in Canadian dentistry, recognized for her leadership in the prevention and treatment of head and neck cancers. A board-certified prosthodontist with advanced training in maxillofacial prosthodontics, Dr. Cable completed her specialty training at the Mayo Clinic. With over two decades of experience, she has treated some of the most complex and life-altering oral conditions. As head of the Alberta Head and Neck Cancer Dental Leadership Team, Dr. Cable has educated over 12,000 health care professionals on early detection and HPV-related cancer prevention. Her advocacy led to procedural code changes adopted nationally, empowering dentists to screen for and administer the HPV vaccine. Through her clinical work, policy innovation and education efforts, Dr. Cable is reshaping the role of dentistry in cancer prevention. Her passion has positioned Alberta, and Canada, at the forefront of oral cancer care. Dr. Marie Dagenais Dr. Anthony Odenbach Dr. Cheryl Cable I’m deeply honoured and would like to thank Dr. Jim Lai, president of the ACFD, whose nomination means a lot to me. And I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Drs. Deborah Matthews, Izchak Barzilay and Arun Misra, who all supported this nomination. Their support reminds me of the power of collaboration. I’m truly grateful to have had the privilege of working with such inspiring individuals. When I reflect on the work that has led me to this moment, I’m reminded that no accomplishment is ever achieved alone. This recognition belongs to every single person who worked alongside me, particularly at NDEB. I’m excited for what lies ahead and the continued work we will do together as a profession. There are many people I would like to thank today. The first would be my wife, Kathy, for her gracious understanding and patience. Also, thanks to my good friend and nominator, Dr. Bruce Yaholnitsky. Together, we have accomplished so many great things for our profession, and I’m grateful that you are also being recognized for your passion, efforts and contributions. I would also thank the entire staff, team, and board of the ADA and the former ADA&C. It has been a pleasure to serve and work with you all. This profession has given so much to me and my family. It is with humble gratitude that I thank everyone for the recognition. Receiving this award is a testament to our shared commitment to education and care, especially for vulnerable populations. I could not be more grateful to the College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta and the ADA, in creating incredibly collaborative and effective environments to not only focus on the dental role in preventing and treating head and neck cancer, but in advocating for our patients in this incredibly vulnerable stage of care within a fragile health care system. We must do all that we can to prevent head and neck cancer via education and patient empowerment. 13 Issue 4 | 2025 |
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