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Last month, Dr. Lee Erickson (DDS'81) became the Chair of the Dentistry Alumni Committee. We sat down with Dr. Erickson to discuss the future of the DAC for this edition of Gimme 5!

Question 1: You have been involved with the DAC since 2007. What made you decide to join the committee in the first place?

I have always been involved in dental organizations since I first graduated from Â鶹´«Ã½ Dentistry in 1981. I have been incredibly blessed with a career in dentistry and orthodontics. It has allowed me to have an extremely satisfying career as a health care provider, improving the lives of my patients. We are all extremely lucky to be graduates of Â鶹´«Ã½, arguably the top Dental Faculty in Canada. As such, it is inherent that all of us should give back to the school and profession in one way or another. Being involved with the DAC is just one of many ways to say thank-you.

Question 2: What do you think is the greatest accomplishment of the DAC over the past couple of years?

Without question, the greatest accomplishment of the DAC over the past few years was the Faculty of Dentistry Centennial Celebrations. The Centennial Committee, chaired by Dr. John Christie, put together an amazing few days of CE courses and celebrations. I feel bad for anyone that missed it!

Question 3: What can we expect from the DAC over the next two years?

We're going to look at other events that combine Continuing Education opportunities with social events, providing on-going opportunities to re-establish contact with long lost classmates.  Bringing back a form of the old Post-College Assembly might be one avenue to accomplish this. We want people to rediscover Â鶹´«Ã½ Dentistry and remember the great times and great relationships.

Question 4: What do you hope your legacy as Chair of the DAC will be?

I would like past students to have another look at Â鶹´«Ã½ Dentistry. Too often we leave dental school with negative memories. We forget that the whole process is designed to make us strive for perfection, but also recognize that we may not always achieve it. We are taught to constantly look at our results with a critical eye, asking ourselves how we can improve the next time. I hope that past students that haven't been back to Â鶹´«Ã½ Dentistry will rethink and perhaps join us for a CE course or for an alumni event. There are many reasons why we should have another look at Â鶹´«Ã½ and many ways we can give back in some way to the school that has given us so many opportunities.

Question 5: Why do you think it’s important for alumni, faculty and students to get involved in the DAC?

The DAC is a small group of like-minded people committed to improving the relationship between Â鶹´«Ã½ Dentistry and its past dental and dental hygiene grads. It's a way to give back to the Faculty of Dentistry in a way that makes you feel like you’re accomplishing something. Under the guidance of our Alumni Officer, Jon Bruhm, we are more active then ever before, planning and hosting exciting activities and functions for students and alumni alike.