Dr. Don Friedlander, DDS ’79, was honoured at this year’s Canadian Dental Association Annual General Meeting with the Distinguished Service Award. The award is given to recognise outstanding contributions to the dental profession, the dental community or the oral health of Canadians at large. Dr. Friedlander has contributed immensely to his profession and both the dental community and his community in Ottawa. His commitment to his patients and to his profession is unwavering. “He is committed to the highest ideals of professionalism, and is widely respected for his honesty, forthrightness and ability to inspire and lead”, says Dr. Larry Levin, President of the CDA. Dr. Friedlander has had a very long ‘political career’ in dentistry as he explains. He has provided model leadership at local, provincial and national levels of organised dentistry having served as President for the Ottawa Dental Society in 1992, the Ontario Dental Association in 1999 – 2000 and the Canadian Dental Association in 2009 – 2010. Leading up to his presidencies Dr. Friedlander held many positions within the organisations. He currently is a member of the CDA, ODA, and a fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, the Pierre Fauchard Academy, the Academy of Dentistry International and the International college of Dentists.
“The road to becoming President is paved with many years of service on numerous committees and boards. Not only has Don provided sound thought and leadership while serving, but he has also mentored numerous volunteers, enriching their professional experience and benefitting the profession as a whole.” Dr. Larry Levin
Dr. Friedlander also serves his community through many community organisations and associations and is still actively practicing at his clinic in Ottawa, Ontario.