On September 14th 2006, South Asian Dental Association (SADA) organized their 2nd annual Gala at Payal Banquets in Mississauga. The evening was an astounding success as over 500 dental professionals and dignitaries gathered under one roof to enjoy the comic performance by Dr. Howard Elson, who is also a professional singer and a pedodontist from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Dr. Elson and his accompanist Bobby Cardillo had the audience roaring with laughter with satirical comedy and poetry revolving around the “Life of a Dentist” in their debut performance in Canada.
SADA Gala was organized in conjunction with Henry Schein Ash Arcona’s “What’s New Night” which featured over 50 exhibits from various Dental Suppliers. The event was attended and supported by numerous politicians and dignitaries who applauded SADA’s endeavours and commitment to continuing education and community service.
In lieu of Health Week, who’s who in the field of dentistry in Canada were present including Dr. Wayne Halstrom (President of the Canadian Dental Association), Dr. Cam Witmer (President of the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario), Dr. Elio Filice (President of the Ontario Academy of General Dentistry), Dr. Ian McConnachie (President of Ontario Dental Association) and Dr. David Mock (Dean of University of Toronto School of Dentistry) to name a few of the dental dignitaries.
This year, we were also honoured to have in attendance Mrs. Elizabeth Witmer, MPP (Deputy Leader of Opposition and Health Critic); Mr. Frank Klees, MPP and Critic of Ministry of Education; Dr. Ruby Dhalla, MP, Mississauga’s mayor, Mrs. Hazel McCallion, and Mayor Marolyn Morrison of Caledon.
During the opening ceremony Dr. Ruby Dhalla, MP, presented an award to SADA President, Dr. Sanjay Uppal, in recognition of SADA’s commitment to promote Oral Health Awareness. In addition, Mayor McCallion was very impressed with the show as she toured around the exhibits with the Gala Chair Dr. Neil Gajjar and acknowledged the “importance of dental health” and commended SADA on their involvement in the community.
SADA is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2003 and pioneered by Mr. Elesh Ruparel. Today, SADA’s membership has grown to over 350 members of the dental community including dentists, dental hygienists, laboratory technicians, dental assistants, practice managers and receptionists.
In closing, Griha Craveiro of SADA thanked its corporate sponsors for the Gala who were represented by Mr. Bruce McKay, Vice President of TD Commercial Bank and Mr. Ken Croney, Toronto Branch Manager of Henry Schein Ash Arcona.
For more information and details visit www.sadaonline.org
