Volunteering and dentistry go hand-in-hand
A Cape Breton dentist reflects on 40 years of service
For Dr. Ian Doyle, volunteering and being a dentist go hand-in-hand. A semi-retired general dentist in Sydney, Cape Breton, N.S., Dr. Doyle has been involved in his community since before he became a dentist 40 years ago.
“I think it’s just part of me, part of who I am,” says Dr. Doyle, who earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from Dalhousie University in 1978, and among other reduced dental activities is a part-time instructor at the dental school.
From parish council, to Fiddlers Marathon route organizer, from blood donor nearing his goal of 150 donations, to member of the barbershop singing group, the Cape Breton Chordsmen, his volunteerism has contributed to many aspects of community life.
In the dental profession, you meet a lot of different individuals, and if you’re open to communicating you can recognize various community needs,” he says. “If you want you can end up being more involved in the community.”
He has served as Chair of the Provincial Dental Board of Nova Scotia, President of the Cape Breton Island Dental Society, President of the Nova Scotia Dental Association, President of the International College of Dentists, Canadian Section, and is currently International Council member for the International College of Dentists.
He is a recipient of several awards and honours, including two Nova Scotia Dental Association awards: the Dr. Philip S. Christie Award for Distinguished Service and the NSDA Community Service Award.
A long-time member of Rotary International, Dr. Doyle says the organization has been a significant part of his life for 35 years.
He has been president of both Rotary clubs in Sydney, Cape Breton and is preparing to assume the role of Rotary District 7820 Governor for the year 2020-2021. The district includes 46 Rotary Clubs across Atlantic Canada.
Making a difference at home and abroad
In addition to raising funds for various charities through community groups, Dr.Doyle has contributed his dental skills at home and abroad.
As a past member of the board of directors for Talbot House, a residence and treatment centre for men with addictions, he helped to provide some dental care to residents.
He has participated in free dental days organized by the community group Under One Umbrella. On specific days at Centre 200, this organization joins health professionals and many other service providers, such as members of the legal profession, hair stylists and counsellors, to deliver services to people who aren’t able to attain them, says Dr. Doyle.
Travelling to take part in nine dental missions, he helped to provide equipment, treatment to residents, and to teach dentecs in remote areas of countries such as Haiti, Guyana,Peru and Nicaragua with support from the dental community and Rotary.
The missions are conducted in challenging conditions often without running water or electricity, says Dr. Doyle who would like to do a few more before he completely retires. His wife Anne has accompanied him on most of his missions.Two of their children, Ian, and his wife Kylene, and Tricia have joined him in Haiti and Nicaragua respectively. “My hope is that our youngest son Brenden will be able to participate in the near future.”
Continuing a community-minded legacy
He credits the example set by his father and grandfather for his drive to giveback.
“My grandfather was a family doctor who worked in a small community,” says Dr. Doyle. “He had chances to move to much better paying positions, but he opted to remain practising in his rural community.”
“My father was a teacher, and eventually, Superintendent of Schools and was always involved in community life. I think those kinds of influences really made volunteering and serving part of my life.”
He says his three years spent as a teacher before becoming a dentist, and the mentorship he received as a new dentist while volunteering for the Cape Breton Island Dental Society, also helped to set him on his path.
Dentists as community leaders
Helping our patients is something that comes naturally for dentists and we can get to know the community quickly by sharing our other talents, says Dr. Doyle.
“In the dental profession, you meet a lot of different individuals, and if you’re open to communicating you can recognize various community needs,” he says. “If you want you can end up being more involved in the community.”
“Most dentists are well-respected. When they volunteer, they’re showing that they want to be a part of the community, and want to contribute in other ways besides through their dental office.”
