From left to right: Dr. Edwin Yen, Susan Schmitz, Dr. William Catalano and Dean Mary MacDougall
The UBC Faculty of Dentistry created the Alumni Affiliate Awards to recognize important professional and community contributors as honorary alumni of the Faculty. We are incredibly fortunate to have a robust alumni community. We also have the support of many who received their professional degrees outside of UBC and who engage with the university through teaching, philanthropy, advocacy and community outreach.
On March 8th, we celebrated three incredible individuals who are always generous with their time and have truly embraced UBC Dentistry as their hometown school. Congratulations to our 2023 Alumni Affiliate Award recipients, Dr. William Catalano, Susan Schmitz and Dr. Edwin Yen.
Dr. William (Bill) Catalano
Dr. William (Bill) Catalano
Dr. Bill Catalano is an experienced clinician, dedicated teacher and advocate for all UBC Dentistry students. He joined the Faculty as a Clinical Assistant Professor in 1995 and has shown an unwavering commitment to students and faculty ever since.
Students appreciate his gentle demeanour, practical approach and positive attitude toward the delivery of treatment. Students and colleagues marvel at his fantastic eyesight as he can see teeth clearly without magnification!
In 2014, the College of Dental Surgeons of BC gave him the Distinguished Service Award. He has been active in the College for many years as a treasurer and a pro tem Deputy Registrar. Bill has enjoyed working in the clinic as a part-time clinical instructor alongside his wife, Shauna, who recently retired. In his spare time, he enjoys wood carving and golfing.
Susan Schmitz
Susan Schmitz
Susan Schmitz received her dental hygiene diploma from Algonquin College in Ontario and moved to Kelowna, where she became involved with the BC Dental Hygienist Association. Susan completed the Provincial Instructor Diploma and the Diploma in Adult Education at Vancouver Community College, where she taught as a dental educator for 22 years. She earned a Master of Education from Simon Fraser University, and developed a strong interest in dental radiology.
Susan joined the Faculty in 2008 as a part-time lead radiology instructor for the Dental Hygiene Degree Program. She was appointed full-time clinical assistant professor in 2012, teaching radiology and patient care in both undergraduate programs. In 2013, she became the DHDP Clinic Coordinator and was appointed full-time Lecturer in 2019. She is also an instructor with the UBC Continuing Dental Education Local Anesthesia course.
Susan has a deep passion for teaching, and her commitment to students has been recognized through many awards, including the UBC Dentistry Faculty Teaching Awards. Outside her work, Susan and her husband Bob are active community members in Richmond, where they reside, and enjoy spending time with their three sons.
Dr. Edwin (Ed) Yen
Dr. Edwin (Ed) Yen
Dr. Ed Yen received his dental degree from McGill University and his Diploma in Orthodontics and PhD in Oral Biology from the University of Toronto. He spent many years at the University of Manitoba as Head of the Department of Preventive Dental Science and Director of the Graduate Orthodontic Program.
Dr. Yen served as the Dean of UBC Dentistry from 1993 until 2006. During his tenure, he spearheaded the funding and development of the Nobel Biocare Oral Health Centre on the UBC Vancouver campus. He spent years researching and developing relationships to make this Centre possible, and forged a critical partnership with Planmeca, which still exists today.
Ed continues to have a very active career. In 2020 he received the Association of Canadian Faculties of Dentistry Service Award to honour his many contributions to teaching, research and leadership within the dentistry profession. Ed has a private practice in orthodontics and is actively involved in his community. He and his wife Patti, who is a primary school teacher, have a son and daughter. The family enjoys skiing, golfing, camping, choral singing, and violin.