2019-05-25

Dr. Zul Kanji was chosen by the British Columbia Dental Hygienists’ Association (BCDHA) as this year’s recipient of the Dianne Gallagher Inspiration Award. This award recognizes and honours a dental hygienist or dental hygiene student who has challenged or inspired other dental hygienists to make their personal and/or professional futures better. Kanji, who is director of UBC’s Dental Hygiene Degree Program, received the award at the 2019 BCDHA Annual General Meeting held on May 25, 2019, in Coquitlam, BC.

Kanji received the award for the impact he has had on dental hygiene students: inspiring them to become dependable primary care providers, to pursue graduate education and to give back to society as socially responsible global citizens. In a letter to Kanji, the BCDHA board wrote: “You should be very proud that you have had such an impact on our profession and that you have made a positive difference in the lives of others. In addition, these accomplishments are well recognized and respected by your dental hygiene colleagues.”

The award was created in honour of Dianne Gallagher, a dental hygienist who gave selflessly to her profession for more than 40 years. Through her dedication, Gallagher inspired many dental hygienists in British Columbia and across Canada. She led by example, and through her vision, challenged dental hygienists to make their personal and professional futures better.