By Samantha Ashenhurst
NSDA Communications Manager

The Nova Scotia Dental Association could not exist without its volunteers. Behind every professional event, industry publication, and award of recognition, there are dozens of individuals working behind the scenes to ensure things go off without a hitch. Volunteers are truly the backbone of the NSDA and are integral to the organization’s mission of “dentists helping dentists.”

Of course, that’s not to say volunteers don’t get something out of it, too! Indeed, volunteering is an enriching experience, as well as a valuable way for dentists to connect with peers and stay informed about what’s going on within the profession. In many ways, the act of volunteering can also help contribute to a sense of balance when it comes to personal health and well-being.

This is certainly the case for Dr. Claire Karst. Originally from Newfoundland, Dr. Karst moved to Nova Scotia in 1985 to study dentistry at Dalhousie. After graduating, she worked as an associate for a year and, at the second-year mark, decided to start her own practice — but she soon learned this path came with unique challenges.

“I realized that dentistry can become isolating because you’re so focused on developing your own practice and skillset,” Dr. Karst tells Nova Scotia Dentist. “Becoming involved in organized dentistry at an early stage of my career helped my practice development and allowed me to feel supported.”

Driven by a desire to connect with colleagues and give back to the profession, Dr. Karst has served two terms on both Governing Council and Fee Guide Committees. She also has served six years with the Provincial Dental Board of Nova Scotia (PDBNS) on the Complaints Committee.

In June of 2023, Dr. Karst was installed as President-Elect of the NSDA, and, per the appointment, she is tasked with serving one term as Chair of the association’s Nomination Committee. The group is responsible for several key member-focused tasks, including filling vacancies on NSDA’s many committees and working groups, as well as identifying dentists in Nova Scotia who are deserving of accolades on both provincial and federal levels.

While the work of the committee is certainly no easy feat, Dr. Karst is fortunate to have a strong team beside her — many of whom have served on the group for several years.

“I’m lucky to be working with several wonderful colleagues,” she says. “Learning from them and sharing ideas has been a great experience for me.”

Dentists celebrating dentists

Among these colleagues is NSDA Past-President, Dr. Jennifer MacLellan, who has served on the Nomination Committee for four years. A long-time volunteer with the NSDA, Dr. MacLellan finds inspiration in celebrating the work of her colleagues.

“I have always felt it important to give back to the profession in any way I can,” she says. “Watching other people who give back and volunteer is my inspiration.”

This notion of finding joy in celebrating the achievements of others is echoed by Dr. Erica Doucet, who has been a member of the committee for three years.

“Serving on the committee has allowed me to build a strong sense of camaraderie with fellow board members as we collaborate to achieve our shared objectives,” Dr. Doucet says. “Sometimes, our responsibilities even require us to act as detectives, gathering information about nominees from their colleagues without their knowledge.”

This detective work often comes in to play when the committee works on one of its primary directives: identifying individuals who are deserving of awards from the NSDA, as well as the Canadian Dental Association (CDA).

“The Nomination Committee provides us with an opportunity to recognize, honour, and thank members who have selflessly dedicated their time to the profession of dentistry,” says NSDA Immediate Past-President and long-time volunteer Dr. Ian Cunningham, who has twice served as Chair of the Nomination Committee.

This act of seeking out and recognizing colleagues who have given back to the profession is among the most rewarding aspects of serving on this particular group, says Dr. Pat Johnson, who is currently in her second three-year term.

“Often, the contributions of these individuals or organizations have gone unnoticed or flown under the radar,” she explains. “It is only through other dentists that they are brought to our attention, which is why it’s so important for the NSDA to ask for the help of all NS dentists in recommending these individuals for recognition.”

“In researching these individual’s accomplishments, I have often been amazed at the energy and passion they pour into their profession,” Dr. Johnson continues. “It’s very rewarding to see them recognized.”

This is a unanimous feeling among the committee members.

“There’s gratification in knowing that individuals who have poured their hearts and souls into their work — either out of passion or the kindness of their hearts — experience a sense of elation when they receive the well-deserved recognition for their accomplishments,” Dr. Doucet says.

“It’s heartwarming to hear of all the amazing contributions our members make to both the profession and their communities,” Dr. MacLellan adds. “They make me proud.”

Finding the right fit

In addition to selecting candidates for awards programs and honours, the Nomination Committee is also tasked with finding suitable people to serve on different committees within the NSDA. More often than not, this is a “boots on the ground” operation, requiring cold calls, networking, and referrals.

Fortunately, is a rewarding part of the work for Dr. Karst.

“I enjoy getting to know people through conversation to find out where they are in their life, both personally and professionally, and seeing if they have room to fit a commitment in,” she says. “Communication is a powerful tool and I value the one-on-one connections.”

Encouraging volunteerism

There is certainly power in giving back, but, when it comes to recruiting new volunteers, how can the dental community go about engaging students and young professionals?

Dr. Johnson — who has served on many groups within the NSDA, including the Access-to-Care Committee and the Professional Development Committee — says one tried-and-tested technique is straightforward and effective: Ask!

“When I was a young dentist, Don Pamenter strongly encouraged me to volunteer,” Dr. Johnson says. “I believe young dentists must be asked and encouraged to contribute or they may not otherwise step forward. This is something I believe we can improve upon — new blood and new perspectives are vital to allowing an organization to remain current and relevant.”

Dr. Cunningham also benefitted from the encouragement of a strong leader.

“When I graduated, I was fortunate enough to practice with my mentor and good friend, Dr. Eric Hatfield, who was always actively involved in organized dentistry,” he says. “It was his mission to drag new grads to NSDA meetings and push us to have a say in how our profession evolved.”

When it comes to encouraging the next generation of volunteers to get involved, there may also be power in sharing the impact volunteering has on overall health and wellness.

“Sometimes we might think, ‘I just don’t have the time,’” Dr. Karst says. “The reward that comes with getting involved is worth the commitment. The enrichment one receives helps strengthen a healthy mindset and well-being.”

Interested in volunteering?

No matter your interests or the time you have available, there are volunteering opportunities available! What follows is an overview of NSDA’s Standing Committees and a summary of their responsibilities.

Audit & Compensation Committee

• Meets with NSDA’s bookkeeper to review budget and the association’s accounts
• Meets with MNP auditors to review and discuss draft audited statements
• Presents financial statements at the Annual Business Meeting

Fee Guide Committee

• Works with Impact Economics to review the collected data on dental practice costs in order to formulate the suggested increase for the NSDA’s Suggested Fee Guides

Mentorship and Shared Learning Committee

• Partners with newly graduated members of the association and students to foster a culture of excellence and continued learning, aimed at enhancing the well-being of the public and the autonomy and professionalism of dentists

Nomination Committee

• Proposes a nominee for the position of Vice-President at the Annual Business Meeting
• Presents to the Annual Business Meeting a slate of candidates for Standing Committee members and Provincial Dental Board appointee vacancies
• Seeks nominees for Member-at-Large and Electoral District member vacancies, according to Article 9 Clause 1(ii)
• Conducts an election for any Member-at-Large and Electoral District member vacancies occurring annually (and where a member is unable to complete a term)
• Proposes to the Annual Business Meeting a nominee for a Canadian Dental Association Board of Director vacancy
• Annually seeks nominations for all honours and awards offered by the association and proposes recipients to the Governing Council
• Annually reviews honours and awards criteria and to propose amendments, if any, to Governing Council

Professional Development Committee

• Plans CE sessions for NSDA’s Annual General Meeting
• Works with the CE Department and Dalhousie Faculty of Dentistry to ensure topics and sessions offered are relevant for dentists and students

Following the AGM this June, the NSDA will be looking for individuals to fill vacancies on the following Committees:

• Nomination
• Professional Development

Additionally, the association has several upcoming vacancies in its Governing Council, including one in the West District and two “At Large” seats. A call for nominations for the West District will be sent out immediately following the June AGM. Once this seat has been declared, a call for nominations for the two “At Large” seats will be circulated to the membership.

For more information on volunteering, contact Patricia Pellerine, NSDA’s Operations Manager, at operations.nsda@bellaliant.com.