CDA Award Winners Dr. Caroline Nguyen’s career is a powerful example of what it means to serve dentistry with integrity, vision and dedication. With contributions spanning education, regulation, and national leadership, she has become a respected voice in organized dentistry—both in Canada and internationally. Formerly an associate professor at UBC and provincial practice leader for prosthodontics at BC Cancer, Dr. Nguyen moved to Ottawa in 2020 to become director of examinations at the National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB). Here, she’s led the transition of the National Dental Specialty Examination back under the Royal College of Dentists of Canada (RCDC), a challenging but critical achievement for the profession. Dr. Nguyen has held many leadership roles, including as president of the Association of Prosthodontists of Canada and the Canadian Dental Specialties Association. She continues to serve as an examiner with the RCDC. Dr. Joanne Thomas’s career in dentistry is marked by her dedication, leadership, and mentorship. While running a busy solo practice, she’s also been an active member of dental committees at the provincial and national level, and she led the Nova Scotia Dental Association (NSDA) as its president when the COVID-19 pandemic began. Her commitment extends beyond participation; she invests time, effort and wisdom to make a real impact in her community. Dr. Thomas was pivotal in developing the NSDA Mentorship Committee, fostering a supportive space for young dentists, especially those new to Nova Scotia’s dental community. Her efforts have created a culture of inclusion, ensuring that new dentists feel seen, supported and empowered to contribute. Dr. Thomas’ legacy is one of excellence, empathy, and community and she remains an inspiring figure for current and future generations of dental professionals. Dr. Bruce Yaholnitsky has spent over 40 years advancing dentistry in Canada through his clinical excellence, visionary leadership and public health advocacy. A specialist in periodontology, he has built a respected practice in Calgary while inspiring his colleagues in his role as a speaker and educator. Dr. Yaholnitsky’s leadership includes terms as president of the Alberta Dental Association (ADA), where he played a key role in creating the ADA’s new modern governance structure. He has been a strong advocate for the return of fluoride to Calgary’s municipal water supply and in leading the effort to get dentists involved in Alberta’s COVID-19 vaccination program. A passionate advocate for public health, Dr. Yaholnitsky has been involved in shaping the CDCP. His ability to blend clinical insight with strategic vision has helped access to dental care efforts nationwide. Dr. Caroline Nguyen Dr. Joanne Thomas Dr. Bruce Yaholnitsky I am truly humbled and deeply honoured to be a recipient of this award. I was very fortunate to have many great colleagues and mentors who have shared their wisdom, inspired me and pushed me to always give my best. They encouraged me to be an active member of our profession through teaching dental students, treating patients as a maxillofacial prosthodontist in cancer hospitals, working as an examiner for the RCDC, as well as NDEB and volunteering on dental and prosthodontics committees and boards at the provincial, national and international levels. Thank you to my family for their unwavering support and encouragement through the years. Thank you also to my patients who trust me with their care and remind me that every day I spend on this side of the white coat is a blessing. I will continue to work and volunteer for our amazing profession to keep being deserving of this award for years to come. To receive this award is truly an honour, and to my nominee and selection committee, I extend my deepest gratitude. I was fortunate early in my career to be encouraged to participate in organized dentistry, and it was through this mentorship that I could learn so much more about our profession. I was also able to connect with the many dedicated individuals who are passionate and have a shared vision in this domain. This has kept me motivated to give back, to help others, and to hopefully make a difference in some way. This journey has helped me grow both professionally and personally and for that I am truly grateful. I would like to acknowledge my family and colleagues who have given me so much support and encouragement. My journey in dentistry has been filled with meaningful experiences and dedicated colleagues, including my father and brother, all of whom have helped shape my career. It is a testament to the collective efforts of all the incredible people I’ve had the privilege of working with. It’s a reflection of what we can achieve when we’re united with a shared vision and unwavering commitment. I want to acknowledge the resilience and adaptability that our profession has shown, especially in recent times. One of the most significant challenges we continue to face, and one that is close to my heart, is the fight for community water fluoridation. This issue is about equity and social justice, ensuring that every child and family has access to basic preventative measures. Let’s continue to forge ahead, embracing the challenges and opportunities that lie before us and making a real difference in the lives of those we serve. 15 Issue 4 | 2025 |
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