Dr. Marcia Boyd ('69) was inducted into the Order of Canada, Feb. 13.
Educator, researcher, student, administrator and mentor are a few of the hats dental alumnus Marcia Boyd ('69) is known for wearing. Her tireless work and decades long dedication to advancing dentistry has her receiving Canada's highest honour with an induction into the Order of Canada this month.
"I feel extremely honoured to be joining the ranks of such distinguished and outstanding Canadians," says Boyd. "The list of honorees is so impressive I feel very blessed to count myself among them. And I respect and appreciate my colleagues who have had faith in me and supported me over my years in the profession."
Boyd's extensive dental career can be illustrated through her numerous leadership roles. She was the first Canadian woman to be president of the American College of Dentists. Beginning her career with the National Health and Welfare Eastern Arctic Treatment Program as a dentist, she went on to work for the City of Vancouver and is now former Dean and professor emerita of the Faculty of Dentistry, the University of British Columbia.
"I have experienced wonderful role models in my life and I've been supported in most every endeavor. Life's challenges have made me stronger and provided me with the insight to grow," she said, adding her greatest inspiration came from her family and husband, former Dean of Dalhousie University's Faculty of Dentistry Ian Bennett. "I am grateful to have known many leaders in Dentistry and I have been happy to share the wisdom."
Her many contributions have led to receiving Honorary Membership in both the Canadian and American Dental Associations and the inaugural award for leadership from the Gies Foundation of the American Dental Education Association.
Boyd's extensive list of achievements doesn't end there.
She recently received the Callahan Memorial Medal from the Ohio Dental Association. She's an honorary member of the College of Dental Surgeons of BC, the BC Dental Association and the Royal College of Dentists of Canada. Additionally she holds four honorary doctorate degrees. Currently, she serves as a consultant for the National Dental Examining Board of Canada and is a Senior Associate with the ROI Corporation, Canada's national appraisers and brokers of dental practices. She also chaired a task force as part of the College of Dental Surgeons on the future of organized dentistry in BC as well as the BC Dental Association's task force on best ethical practices.
"Being a part of organized dentistry is a must for personal growth, enrichment and practice while being able to give back to the profession that we treasure. We need to support and learn from each other as we face the future and the challenges that it holds," says Boyd. "I am fortunate to have gained the confidence of colleagues that has provided me with the opportunities to give back to organized dentistry and I have enjoyed every moment of trying to make a difference."