Tara Kearsey
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (July 03/02) - For the first time in history three Yellowknife high school graduates are heading off to pursue careers as dental surgeons.

It's the first time in the city's history that three local graduates have headed off to university with plans to return to the North to work as dentists.

Because of this exciting landmark occasion the NWT Dental Association decided to raise the annual Dr. Don Tesar Memorial Scholarship from $1,000 to $2,100 and split it three ways between the aspiring dentists.

The scholarship is provided to one student every year who is enrolled in a program related to the dental profession.

Zahrah Adam, Cailey Mercredi and Amy Campbell were presented with their awards during a special ceremony at Sir John Franklin high school last week.

Don Portz, executive director of the NWT Dental Association, said he is pleased to assist the aspiring dentists in financing their education. The first year of most dentistry programs costs approximately $15,000 for tuition alone, plus the cost of tools.

Portz said obtaining dentists in the NWT has been an ongoing problem over the years and this is a welcome change.

Erica Tesar, widow of former NWT dentist Don Tesar, said the problem of recruiting dentists has been ongoing since she moved North in 1968.

"After I moved here I think for at least 15, 20 years or longer, we never ever got a dentist from Canada to come up.

Hard to attract Canadian dentists

"We just couldn't get Canadian dentists because what did we have to offer them?"

Portz said it wasn't until the 2000 that an opportunity was made available to foreign dentists wishing to work in the NWT on a temporary basis. Until then, dentists were a rare find and in high demand.

But the goals and aspirations of Adam, Mercredi and Campbell means the NWT will have some local dentists to add to the mix within a few years. Adam, niece of well-known Yellowknife dentist Dr. H.M. Adam, has always wanted to follow in her family's footsteps. Besides her uncle her grandmother, grandfather, great-grandfather and two great-uncles have all been dentists.

"There are lots of dentists in my family and I've always loved being in a dental clinic," she said.

Fanatical about dental care

Mercredi said she has always obsessed about her teeth and never thought of pursuing any other career but dentistry.

"Ever since I was a little girl I've always been fanatical about my dental care and brushing my teeth as much as I can," she said.

Mercredi always questioned her dentist, Dr. Adam, about dentistry and even spent a few days watching him work.

"It's always intrigued me ... I've always wanted to be a dentist."

Campbell is also fanatical about her dental care. She has perfectly straight teeth and has never had braces or a cavity.

"Dr. Velez, my dentist, she has always made me feel like my teeth are one of my most important parts and she made me feel so special. I would like to help other people feel that way," she said.

Adam and Mercredi plan to attend University of Alberta in the fall and Campbell will be attending Augustano University College in Camrose, Alta.