March 31, 2014
The Association of Canadian Faculties of Dentistry (ACFD) honoured two outstanding UBC Dentistry individuals at their recent annual general meeting, hosted by UBC Dentistry, in Vancouver on March 6, 2014.
Bisco National Teaching Award
Dr. Markus Haapasalo, Professor; Chair, Division of Endodontics; Head, Department of Oral Biological & Medical Sciences, was honoured with ACFD’s Bisco National Teaching Award this year. The award is presented annually to a faculty member who, in the opinion of his or her students and peers, has displayed the qualities of an outstanding teacher and has displayed exceptional interest in, and enthusiasm for, the learning needs of students.
From left to right: Dr. Anne Charbonneau, Associate Dean, Academic, University of Montreal, Chair, Academic Affairs Committee, Association of Canadian Faculties of Dentistry; Dr. Markus Haapasalo, Professor; Chair, Division of Endodontics; Head, Department of Oral Biological & Medical Sciences, UBC Dentistry; Mr. Ron Suh, President, Bisco Dental Products Canada Inc.
Recognizing the great honour of recieving the award, Haapasalo remarked that while he spends most of his time in research, it serves a background for his teaching because dentistry should be evidence based. He further adds that his goal throughout his career has been to combine teaching and research. This is Haapasalo’s first Canadian national award for his teaching; he is a regular presenter and teacher (and international teaching award winner) at conferences outside the country proudly representing UBC and Canada.
Read more about Dr. Haapasalo’s achievements for ACFD’s Bisco National Teaching Award here (PDF) >>
Distinguished Service Award
Dr. Marcia Boyd, Professor Emerita and Former Dean, UBC Dentistry, received the Distinguished Service Award from the ACFD this year. The award is presented on occasion to recognize individuals or groups who have made significant contributions to dental education in Canada.
Dr. Alan A. Lowe, Professor, Chair, Division of Orthodontics, UBC Dentistry, presented the ACFD Distinguished Service Award to Dr. Marcia Boyd, Professor Emerita and Former Dean, UBC Dentistry.
Deeply honoured that the ACDF chose Dr. Marcia Boyd for the Distinguished Service Award, Dr. Alan Lowe warmly introduced her as “a caring person with a great sense of humour” with “a genuine compassion for all” who “has served our profession so well.” Boyd graciously accepted the award and said she is proud to join the ranks of the organization’s previous award winners. She noted the remarkable qualities of the ACFD: as a mighty yet small, innovative, forward thinking group with strong leadership and ideas which are often appropriated across North America.
Read more about Dr. Boyd’s achievements for the ACFD Distinguished Service Award here (PDF) >>