March 20, 2012
The British Columbia Dental Association (BCDA) honoured a clinical part-time faculty member, an alumnus and a professor emeritus at their annual Toothfairy Gala in Vancouver on March 10, 2012.

Dr. Wa Sham Cheung, clinical part-time faculty member, received the Distinguished Service Award. A specialist in pediatric dentistry, Dr. Cheung has dedicated himself to the oral health of BC children. Over his 30 year career, he has been extensively involved in organized dentistry serving as president of both the BC Society of Pediatric Dentists and the Canadian Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Cheung has made significant contributions as an educator, serving as a clinical faculty member at UBC and more recently as the coordinator of an oral pathology module for specialist trainees. An examiner at the Royal College of Dentists of Canada for 10 years, he has worked tirelessly to revamp the pediatric dentistry examination. Dr. Cheung is known for his selfless dedication to patients, students, the profession and the specialty of pediatric dentistry.

Dr. Wayne Chou, an alumnus from the Class of 1978, was honoured with a Merit Award. A practitioner with over 32 years’ experience, Dr. Chou has been a fixture in organized dentistry, generously giving his time throughout his career. Dr. Chou served the BCDA as one of the original Table Officers; he has held the position of president and contributed to numerous committees and task forces. Prior to this, he served the CDSBC in a number of roles, was the founding director of the Chinese Dental Society of BC, served as president of the Vancouver & District Dental Society and was an assistant clinical professor at UBC. His list of contributions is extensive, and continues today where he is a member of the CDSPI Board of Governors and the BCDA Audit Committee.

Dr. Chris Clark, Dentistry professor emeritus, was honoured with a Merit Award. A well-respected educator and dental practitioner, Dr. Clark has made significant contributions to the profession throughout his career. Teaching at the UBC Faculty of Dentistry for 25 years, Dr. Clark was always available to his students. He earned numerous accolades for his teaching, including UBC’s Kiliam Teaching Award. Among his many academic achievements, Dr. Clark was integral in bringing greater focus on ethics to the dental curriculum at UBC. He is a dedicated practitioner who has delivered care to nursing homes around Vancouver for over 25 years. For the past five years he has been a Board member and volunteer at the Eastside Dental Clinic.

For complete details on these and other award winners, visit the awards page on the BCDA website here>>