Posted on October 25 2011

National Dental Assisting Conference

The National Dental Assisting Conference was held in Montreal and co-hosted with the Dental Assistant Educators Committee and the Association des Assistantes Dentaire du Quebec.  Meetings and events were held from November 3rd – 5th.  If you missed this year’s conference, the following is a brief description of what happened.

The conference began with a reception on Thursday evening to welcome all participants from across Canada.

On Friday, dental educators attended a session by Dr. Antonio Mirarchi on the Interaction and Relationship between Teacher and Student: All questions answered. Separate meetings were held for CDAA Board Members and Corporate Members.

On Saturday, dental educators had a chance to exchange ideas and best practices at their annual Shop & Share while CDAA had Board Meetings.  In the afternoon all were welcome to attend CDAA’s Annual General Meeting.

Saturday evening was the CDAA President’s Dinner & Awards Ceremony, during which Janet Hazen was installed as President and Sherry Hirsche as Vice-President.

Following dinner CDAA recognized supporters,  dedicated dental assistants and individuals from across the country for their hard work and commitment to the profession.

CDAA appreciates the support from the 2011 Annual Conference sponsors for their contributions:

Other Sponsors: a-dec, Henry Schein, Sinclair and Centre Dentaire Anjou

CDAA presented the following awards for 2011:

Certificates of Appreciation

The CDAA thanked the Association des Assistantes Dentaire du Quebec for co-hosting the events.

Departing Directors

Three CDAA Directors were presented with certificates honouring them for their dedication to the CDAA, Rita Mutlow from Saskatchewan, Mona Trettl from Ontario, and Sherry Hirsche of Alberta as she takes on her new role as Vice President.

President’s Commendation

CDAA President, Joan Lamswood chose Elaine McKay and Miriam Moodley for their invaluable support and dedication throughout her year as President.

Betty Copp Award

Past President, Jan Cowper was honoured with this award in recognition of her 10 years of service to CDAA and the New Brunswick Dental Assistants Association.

Marion Edwards Award

 

This award honours exemplary service to the Association.  This year’s recipient, Vera Walsh of Newfoundland won for her commitment and leadership  in promoting the Newfoundland Dental Assistants Association.


Penny Waite Educators Award

 

The recipient of this year’s Penny Waite Award was Paula Parsons from Newfoundland for her 20 years of dedication to the dental assisting profession. The Clinicial Practice Exam Committee was also presented with this award for their contributions to the establishment of National Dental Assistant Practice in Canada.

TD Insurance Meloche Monnex Diane Pike Journal Award

This award was presented to Elaine McKay for her article “Fearless Negotiations” posted in the DAEC newsletter and on the CDAA website.

Sunstar/GUM Excellence Award (DARW Award)

This award honours a Corporate Member or local affiliate that is are exemplary in promoting our profession during Dental Assistants Week.  Francine Gagnon from Sunstar Americas Canada presented this year’s recipient the Edmonton Dental Assistants Association the award for their efforts in promoting Dental Assistants Week, which included advertising on public buses and conducting a radio request a song promotion during dental assistants week.

Installation of CDAA Officers

Following the awards ceremony Joan Lamswood lead the installation of new CDAA Officers.  She called on Sherry Hirsche to accept the position of Vice President and bestowed the symbols of the office of President to Janet Hazen.

The CDAA thanks everyone who participated and looks forward to seeing you again next year in Winnipeg, Manitoba from in October 25-27, 2012.