This article is part of an ongoing series highlighting plans in the works for ±«Óătv’s 200th anniversary celebrations in 2018. For more features, visit our archives and learn more about Dal 200 at .
Two-thousand-eighteen will be a big year for the Faculty of Dentistry. In a happy convergence of events, the 200th anniversary of Dal will coincide with the re-opening of the newly renovated dental clinic, a project that has been underway since 2015.
The first half of the renovated clinic was unveiled to a group of donors and members of the ±«Óătv community at a preview event on April 27. Students and faculty began working in the new space on May 1, and the grand re-opening to celebrate the completion of the project, will take place during Homecoming weekend in 2018 (September 23-25).
“This renewal project means that we can teach in new ways, our students can learn the latest techniques with the latest equipment, our patients can receive enhanced care, and we can serve more patients, including those who have limited or no access to oral health care,” said Dr. Tom Boran, outgoing dean of the Faculty of Dentistry, at the launch event.
A supersized Homecoming Weekend
Homecoming Weekend will be the focus of the majority of the Faculty’s 200th celebrations, with many activities brought together to “supersize” the weekend for the anniversary. Â
“Alumni are already telling us that they are excited to see the new clinic,” says Jon Bruhm, manager of student and alumni services. “So tours of the new clinic and labs will be a big draw during the 200th anniversary.”
The annual White Coat ceremony for first-year students will also be “supersized” and held during Homecoming 2018, bringing together student award winners, junior and senior students, alumni, donors, faculty and staff to meet and connect.
The Faculty of Dentistry has successfully nominated an oral care professional for an honorary doctorate, which will be conferred during Homecoming Weekend. It is expected that the recipient (whose identity will be revealed at a later date) will deliver the annual JD McLean Lecture. This lecture, often on topics such as leadership and lifelong learning, is aimed at broadening the education of dentistry and dental hygiene students, faculty, staff, and alumni, and is open to the wider community.
The weekend will be rounded out with a full schedule of continuing professional development courses, networking, milestone reunions, the Dentistry Alumni Dinner  and the Faculty alumni awards.
Bringing alumni together across the country
In addition to Homecoming activities, regional alumni events in Sydney, St. John’s, Charlottetown, Vancouver, Toronto, Saint John, Fredericton, Moncton will enable the Faculty to celebrate the 200th with alumni across the country, often in partnership with the Advancement Office. Dr. Ben Davis, the Faculty’s new acting dean, will attend many of these events, giving alumni the opportunity to meet with him and hear about his plans for the future.
“I look forward to meeting and connecting with so many of our alumni over the coming months to celebrate this year, which is significant for the Faculty of Dentistry and ±«Óătv,” says Dr. Davis.
The 2018 Alumni Anchor magazine will provide the full schedule of events to help encourage alumni to attend this special Homecoming. The 2019 issue will include photographs and articles on the events of the weekend. Â