Dentist, dental hygienist honoured for dedication to oral health care

Chris Cottick [DMD/90] and Linda Pharand [Dip.D.Hyg/85] received Alumni of Distinction Awards from UM alumni associations for their outstanding contributions to the dental and dental hygiene communities.  

The Alumni of Distinction Awards Evening – organized by the University of Manitoba Dental Alumni Association (UMDAA) in partnership with the University of Manitoba School of Dental Hygiene Alumni Association (UMSDHAA) and the University of Manitoba– took place at the Fort Garry Hotel on Sept. 18 as part of UM Homecoming.

Cottick received the UMDAA Alumni of Distinction Award and Pharand was the recipient of the UMSDHAA Alumni of Distinction Award.  

The Dentistry Class of 1976, celebrating their 50th reunion, was also honoured.  

A record 220 guests attended this year’s gala, making it the largest crowd in the event’s 18-year history.

Manitoba dental leader 

Cottick’s career has been defined by dentistry, teaching, service and leadership.  

“I’ll leave you with a reiteration of my themes for today,” Cottick told the crowd. “Help the people however you can and whenever you are asked, you and our world will be a better place for it.”

After graduating from UM’s dental school in 1990, Cottick completed an internship at the Health Sciences Centre. He then purchased a practice on Corydon Avenue.  

Cottick has always maintained a connection with UM, working part-time in the oral surgery clinic. Teaching became a major part of his career, instructing students in areas such as pharmacology, pain and anxiety control, and nitrous oxide.

In 2005, he began working at the adult dental clinic at the Health Sciences Centre and then took over leadership of the clinic the following year. He ran the internship program until 2025.  

Cottick was president of the Manitoba Dental Association (MDA) from 2021-2022. He received the MDA President’s Award in 2012 and 2023 for recognition of his significant personal contribution to the welfare of his fellow dentists and the patients he serves.

Power of public health

Following graduation from UM’s school of dental hygiene in 1985, Pharand has dedicated more than 35 years to public dental health.

“Many of us in public health, we kind of lead a life, an existence in obscurity,” Pharand said.

“There are very few awards. There are no grand speeches or even moments of glory. We’re just down in the trenches doing what we can. And a huge part of me when I was told about this was to say, ‘Oh, no, no, no. It was nothing. I don’t need an award…it’s just what I do.’ But in honesty, I’m tickled pink to receive this award.” 

Pharand began her career with the City of Winnipeg dental department providing care through the city dental clinics’ schools and community programs. In 1999, she moved with the public dental program to the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, where it evolved into the current SMILE plus Children’s Oral Health Program.  

Pharand helped pioneer a fluoride varnish program that combined applications in the homes of children. Parents would also receive oral health education and support.  

She then launched a daycare fluoride varnish program, bringing care directly into daycare centres in the Point Douglas and downtown areas. The program now visits more than 40 daycares and has seen close to 5,500 children since it was created.  

Celebrating 50 years

Dr. Carl Enns spoke on behalf of the Class of 1976. Eighteen members of the class were present, the largest number of 50th reunion attendees at the award evening in the event’s history.

“The experience of dental school was transformative,” Enns said.  

“Thirty or so students, educated in the details of health sciences as it pertained to dentistry and honing precise clinical skills that could be put into practice upon graduation. We were indeed fortunate to have the group of talented and dedicated teachers and clinical instructors that we had.”