Lesley Williams, DMD 1989, was recently awarded the Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists Arthur A. Dugoni Lifetime Achievement Award. She has been recognized for her exceptional personal effort to advance the art and science of the orthodontic specialty. This prestigious award has been given only ten times since 2006. Dr. Williams is the first woman and first Canadian to receive this award.
We connected with Dr. Williams, who leads her team at South Surrey Smiles, to learn more about her time at UBC Dentistry and her incredible career.
What first got you interested in a career in dentistry?
I did my first undergraduate degree at UBC in business and worked briefly in management consulting. I soon saw a limited career trajectory and wanted more independence.
I decided to return to university with aspirations of becoming a dentist. Given my interest and aptitude, dentistry felt like a good fit. I was so excited to be accepted into the DMD Class of 1989.
After practicing as a general practice dentist for several years, I wanted to specialize. I chose orthodontics (University of Alberta, MSc Ortho 1997) because it’s fueled by problem solving and innovation. Each patient is unique and no day is completely routine.
You continue to be an ardent supporter of UBC Dentistry. Why?
I have embraced the challenges of leadership as an individual who cares deeply about my profession, my patients and my team members. My commitments have not been for personal gain, although I inevitably benefited greatly from each of my experiences.
My contributions to our specialty have not been driven by my gender—I happen to be a woman who chose, personally and professionally, to step up and to serve.
I am proud yet disappointed that I am the first woman to serve as the Chief Examiner for Orthodontics at the Royal College of Dentists of Canada, the first Canadian to serve as an Examiner for the American Board of Orthodontists, the first Canadian woman to serve as president of the Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists and the first woman to be honored with the Arthur A. Dugoni Lifetime Achievement Award. I have been the first, but I have no intention of being the only woman to be acknowledged for significant contributions to the specialty of orthodontics. I tell colleagues and students that I do not want to be the only woman, so come on, you can do this! I am poised to support and mentor others so that the specialty of orthodontics will continue to thrive.
Taking on these roles has helped me become a better person, leader and orthodontist. My experiences and challenges in leadership have broadened my perspective of my profession and continue to provide an opportunity to give back to my patients and community.
Tell us a bit about your involvement with the Ride to Conquer Cancer.
My identical twin sister Michele, DMD 1988, was an oral medicine specialist and worked at the BC Cancer Agency and Vancouver General Hospital. She teamed up with UBC Dentistry Professor Dr. Catherine Poh and started a cycling team, Better Outcomes, and participated in many Ride to Conquer Cancer fundraising events. And yes, one can ride a bike from Vancouver to Seattle, occasionally in the rain! Several UBC Dentistry grads, staff and faculty have been part of Team Better Outcomes.
Sadly, Michele died in 2015. With her support, I took her place as co-captain of Team Better Outcomes in 2015. That year we raised over $250,000 which went directly to oral cancer research through the BC Cancer Foundation. This was a fantastic and special way to honor Michele and to support her work in oral cancer prevention, detection, diagnosis and treatment.
What advice do you have for current UBC Dentistry students?
Work hard, give back, stay humble and appreciate others. I would also tell them to take things one step at a time—enjoy the journey and focus on the small wins that will help you achieve your bigger goals.