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Dr. Tracy Doyle receives the CDA Health Promotion Award from Dr. Mitch Taillon

Congratulations to Dr. Tracy Doyle! She received the 2019 Canadian Dental Association Oral Health Promotion Award at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier Hotel in Ottawa on April 12, 2019. She was the youngest award recipient and only female winner.

The Nova Scotia Dental Association nominated Dr. Doyle in recognition of her leadership and commitment to supporting Special Smiles at the 2018 Special Olympics in Antigonish, Nova Scotia.

“[Tracy Doyle] took on this role with passion,” said Dr. Mitch Taillon of the CDA, as he presented her with the award. “She recruited a team of 45 dentistry and dental hygiene faculty, students, and alumni. Under her leadership and through their collective efforts, over 550 athletes were screened for oral disease and received various forms of dental services in just three days. And thanks to Dr. Doyle’s professional network, the team was also able to connect many athletes with dentists in their local communities.”

Promoting the oral health of those with disabilities

In her acceptance speech, Dr. Doyle said, “Participating in Special Smiles is a wonderful opportunity to improve the oral health of individuals with intellectual disabilities and improve education for the dental profession. . .[It] has been a rewarding experience and I encourage all dental professionals to get involved.”

Dr. Doyle says that she did not get involved with the Special Olympics for the accolades, but she was “honoured and humbled” to be recognized among such a group of individuals who have given back so much to the dental profession.

“I feel the CDA award will help to build national recognition for the Healthy Athletes program and help to expand it all across Canada,” Dr. Doyle said.

She is looking forward to the summer NS Special Olympics at Acadia University, July 12-14, 2019.