CDA Award Winners Special Olympics Canada UBC / BCDA Save a Smile Program Since 2007, Special Olympics Canada’s Special Smiles program has been a vital initiative providing essential oral health care to athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Through 78 events nationwide, nearly 8,200 athletes have received oral screenings, oral hygiene education, customfitted mouthguards, and referrals for follow-up dental care—addressing both urgent needs and long-term prevention. Each event relies on professional oral health volunteers, with over 1,500 having contributed their time and skills. Volunteers often return to their practices with new confidence and insight into treating patients with IDD, creating a positive effect across the profession. With 80% of screened athletes referred for maintenance care and 8% for urgent treatment, Special Smiles has highlighted the gaps in access and care for this vulnerable population. More importantly, it’s building bridges—between dental professionals, educators, students and communities—to ensure sustainable, inclusive care. The Save a Smile (SAS) Program has provided essential dental care to more than 2,700 children from low-income families across British Columbia since 1991. Founded through a bequest from Edith Gunning in memory of Dr. Alec Gunning, the program has grown into a collaborative success story involving BC dentists, the UBC faculty of dentistry, and public health dental staff. Run in partnership with five provincial health authorities, the program screens and funds treatment for eligible children, ensuring that 100% of donated funds go directly to care. The SAS Program is supported by more than 50 dentists and clinics, 30 public health staff and a dedicated committee of BCDA volunteers. UBC plays a crucial role, overseeing financial stewardship and co-hosting the biennial Toothfairy Gala, a major fundraiser that celebrates and promotes the program’s impact. While Special Olympics Canada is known, first and foremost, as a sport organization, sport is just the beginning. It serves as a catalyst for change, an entry point to a healthier, more inclusive future. We proudly offer sports health and leadership programs to over 47,000 athletes nationwide, supported by 22,000 dedicated volunteers. Programs like Special Smiles and Healthy Athletes are helpful in breaking down health care barriers. This CDA award is a testament to the tireless work of our provincial and territorial chapters, health staff, clinical directors, and volunteers who make this impact possible. Together, we are changing health outcomes for thousands of Canadians, but our work is far from over. This recognition fuels our commitment to keep pushing forward, to advocate, educate and build a health care system where no one is overlooked. And we are grateful to have each of you alongside us in that mission. Thank you for this honour and thank you for being champions of inclusive health care. -Gail Hamamoto, CEO of Special Olympics Canada It is such an honour to be here with you and to be recognized by the CDA. We cannot change a family’s circumstances, but we can give them a lending hand. As health care providers, we must continue to champion the needs of these young people, for they are our future. Over the years, donations raised at the BCDA’s Toothfairy Gala have supported Save a Smile. I’d like to thank my amazing Save a Smile team, which includes Dr. Anita Gardner, BCDA president. Thanks also to the public health staff, the treating dentists and UBC. Special thanks to my husband Ray, whose love and support have much to do with my being acknowledged here. This is an absolute career high, my deepest gratitude to everyone who has made this recognition possible, but mostly thanks to all of you who have supported Save a Smile over the years. -Dr. Angelique Leung, Save a Smile Program representative The CDA Medal of Honour and Honoured Member Award recipients were formally recognized during the Reception and President’s Dinner & Celebration of the Dental Profession event in May 2025. CDSPI’s support enhances this premier activity, bringing together leaders in dentistry to celebrate the profession. CDA thanks CDSPI for its generous support, serving as the event’s exclusive Diamond Sponsor. 17 Issue 4 | 2025 |
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