News

Homecoming 2012 was a busy time at Dalhousie’s Faculty of Dentistry.

The first-year dentistry and dental hygiene students were formally welcomed into the dental profession during the White Coat Ceremony on Wednesday, September 26. That same evening, prizes and awards were also presented to top students from across the Faculty, while Dr. John Cox was honoured with the prestigious W.W. Wood Award for Excellence in Dental Education.

On Friday, more than 100 alumni, faculty, staff, students and supporters gathered for an alumni reception. The highlight of the night was the sealing of the Faculty’s Centennial Time Capsule. Dean Tom Boran (DDS’78) described the contents, which were then placed in the time capsule by Centennial Chair Dr. John Christie (DDS’71).

Dr. Douglas Chaytor (DDS’62) and Dr. Taylor Farland (DDS’12) then locked the case, which will be opened again during the Faculty’s 150th anniversary celebrations in 2062 – the 100th anniversary of Dr. Chaytor’s graduation, and the 50th of Dr. Farland’s.

"It was wonderful to have representatives from the Classes of 1962 and 2012 on hand for this special moment in our history," said Dr. Boran. "It was also great to have so many students in attendance, because there is a chance that they will be here when the capsule is opened 50 years from now. Unless there’s a tremendous technological advance on the horizon, I probably won’t be!"

The following afternoon, dozens of members of the Faculty Family took part in the wet n’ wild Harold Brogan Memorial Golf Classic at Fox Hollow Golf Club in Stewiacke, NS. Despite rather inclement weather, the 7th annual social tournament was a smash success, and was won by the Dentsply Implants team of Jeff Thompson, Mike Fougere and Dr. Dan MacLellan (DDS’03).

"I have tremendous respect for Dr. Brogan," said Dr. MacLellan, of the longtime faculty member who passed away in 2006. "He conducted my admission interview and asked me why I wanted to be a dentist – then he turned around and looked out the window as I responded to his back. It was probably his way of seeing how well I could think on my feet. At the time, I thought it was kind of strange, but after knowing and being taught by him, it still makes me laugh! He was a great instructor and I’m glad that we continue to honour his memory with this tournament."

The faculty would like to acknowledge Patricia MacDonald for her efforts on the White Coat Ceremony; Scott Thornton from Henry Schein for sponsoring the alumni reception; and DDS4 students Jeff McMillan and Phil Brown for their tremendous work on the golf tournament, as well as all of the golf tournament sponsors.

Next year’s Homecoming festivities will take place October 4-6, 2013 – we hope to see you there!