CDA Award Winners Special Friend of Dentistry Award This award is conferred on an individual or organization outside of the dental profession in appreciation for exemplary support or service to Canadian dentistry and to the profession as a whole. Oral Health Promotion Award This award recognizes individuals or organizations who have improved the oral health of Canadians through oral health promotion. This may involve creating public health policy or supportive environments, strengthening community action, developing personal skills, and/or increasing the prevention of oral diseases and disorders. Dr. Karim Khan is a professor at UBC, where he has gained global recognition for his groundbreaking research on tendon health, osteoporosis, fall prevention and the promotion of physical activity. A passionate advocate for evidence-based practice, he is best known in clinical circles for co-authoring Brukner & Khan’s Clinical Sports Medicine, a trusted reference for musculoskeletal care. From 2008 to 2020, Dr. Khan led the British Journal of Sports Medicine, where he experimented with knowledge translation methods by launching podcasts, blogs and social media platforms. His work emphasizes patient engagement and practical applications, aligning with dentistry’s focus on interprofessional collaboration and holistic, lifestyle-based prevention. Honoured as an Officer of the Order of Australia and the recipient of honorary doctorates, Dr. Khan continues to inspire health care providers across disciplines to integrate exercise science into patient care. Mr. Brian Fawkes was a passionate advocate for oral health and a gifted communications professional whose creative talents significantly shaped the Manitoba Dental Foundation (MDF). He played a central role in promoting and organizing the MDF’s signature events, including the Smile Gala, and fundraisers like the Laugh-A-Lot Comedy Evening and the Prohibition Era Speakeasy—all to raise awareness and support for underserved populations in Manitoba. Brian also generously lent his expertise to All-Dentist Musical productions, which benefited oral health programs and local performing arts organizations, such as Rainbow Stage and the University of Winnipeg Theatre and Film Department. A valued contributor to the Manitoba Dental Association and a cherished friend to many in dentistry, Mr. Fawkes’ legacy is one of creativity, compassion and unwavering commitment to improving oral health. His untimely passing left a void in the dental community, but his impact continues to inspire. Dr. Karim Khan Mr. Brian Fawkes (posthumously) Thank you so much for this award. My job as a researcher and research leader has been to try to help the dental community on the research side. And I can only speak very highly about their commitment to the health of Canadians, their collegiality with each other and their international connections to ensure that Canada is at the forefront of dental research. I’ve seen the benefits and also seen the disasters, sadly, that people suffer when they don’t have care that we are able to get in Canada. I thank you for your work in various communities because I know there’s a massive commitment to those who aren’t as fortunate as people like me. It’s a privilege to be with you at this event and it’s been a privilege to work with Canadian dentists in my role at the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. Brian was passionate about advertising and promotion, specifically how it can entertain, enlighten, educate, increase awareness, and change behaviours and attitudes. Brian brought this passion to dentistry, not just to the profession, but to the community. His relationship with dental organizations was more than professional. It was personal. He cherished interacting with members of dental organizations as people, friends, colleagues and collaborators. Throughout his life, he dedicated countless hours to promote the MDA/MDF and CDA, and their vital work. One of his proudest achievements was using his talents and influence to raise awareness of dentistry associations, ensuring that the hard work and dedication of individuals in the profession did not go unnoticed. This recognition is also a tribute to his belief that the profession and its contributions to society should be celebrated, shared and supported. On behalf of my family and all those who knew Brian and whose lives my brother touched, thank you for honouring his legacy. -Brent Fawkes 16 | 2025 | Issue 4
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