Karen Lander
Northern News Services

NNSL (Mar 19/99) - As a dentist, Cindy McCormick makes sure people leave with a smile of satisfaction.

Raised in the small town of Nackawic, N.B., it was after McCormick and fellow high school graduates jumped on a bus bound for Halifax that she found her calling. Once in Halifax, the students toured the different faculties at Dalhousie University where McCormick investigated programs in pharmacy and medicine.

"After the tour, I liked it and ever since I've wanted to become a dentist," says McCormick.

McCormick's quest to become a dentist included four years of study at the University of New Brunswick and another four years at Dalhousie University.

When she graduated in May, 1997, she wanted to go up North.

"I knew I wanted to go somewhere up North when I graduated," she said.

McCormick, who is currently working at the Yellowknife Mackenzie Dental Clinic, says she looked all over the NWT and the Yukon for a job.

Besides working on fillings and extractions, for the past year, McCormick has been travelling back and forth to Lutsel K'e to look after patients.

"I make sure if there's something I can't do by myself, I have referrals," says McCormick.

Other duties that keep McCormick busy include lab work, pouring models, fixing dentures, root canals, treating infections, making splints, and, last but not least -- in fact, most importantly, watching for signs of disease.

"Sometimes there'll be signs if there's disease in the mouth. I make sure that I'm aware of those and ensure that my patients get proper care."

"There's a lot of paperwork involved," McCormick added.

"I have to be aware that the people's plan is covered, otherwise they'll get mad when I send them the bill -- but I really shouldn't have to worry about that," says McCormick.

Besides meeting a variety of people, McCormick says that every day is different and it makes time go by quickly.

She also likes the complicated cases, "it gives me a challenge," she said.

When asked if she ever had to restrain someone McCormick responded, "if it came to that, I wouldn't do it." McCormick says that because they don't have oral surgeons in Yellowknife, she would rather refer people to Edmonton, however, "a lot of times, we're forced to do things here I'd rather refer."

As for her family, McCormick has a brother who lives in Yellowknife and works as an engineer, a sister, 14, back home with her mom, who is a school teacher and her father, who is a technical engineer.

"I'm glad I'm here in Yellowknife. I like the people, the nature, Cameron River Trail, the wildlife and the northern lights."