I am a true blue boy! All of my training was done at University of Toronto. After completing high school in Ottawa, I came to the big city where I completed a Bachelor of Science degree (BSc), a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree (DDS), a General Practice Residency at Mt. Sinai Hospital, a Diploma in Pediatric Dentistry (Dip Paedo), a Master of Science in Cell Biology (MSc) and a Fellowship in Special Needs Dentistry. In addition, I have achieved fellowship status with the Royal College of Dentists of Canada, Pierre Fauchard Academy, and the Academy of Dentistry International.
What do you enjoy the most about your job?
Just helping the kids. I love the fact that I can bring them back to having excellent oral health. I am also very humbled that many of my patients are still with me after more than 25 years and I have had the opportunity to see them grow and mature into wonderful adults … as well as caring for their children. In addition, I am very proud to have had the opportunity to influence the education of every graduate from the University of Toronto general dentist training program for over 30 years. I was also very fortunate to have taught every speciality pediatric dentistry student in my role as the graduate clinical program director in pediatric dentistry for more than 25 years.
What is the most misunderstood thing about being a Pediatric Dentist?
It is the lack of awareness by the public and government that Pediatric Dentists exist, and what we do. My hopes and dreams are that the profession continues to flourish so that someday so many children will not go to bed in pain because of their teeth.
What do you do to relax and unwind?
When the opportunity arises, you will find me preferably at the cottage enjoying time with my family, out in my boat or reading spy novels. I also love live theater and dancing at weddings.
Please list some recent volunteer positions/activities you have undertaken.
2021 CDSA Canadian Dental Specialists Association, President
2021 Canadian Academy of Pediatric Dentistry: Annual Meeting, Scientific Program Co Chair
2020 RCDC Royal College of Dentists of Canada, Board of Directors, Chair of Governance Committee, Chair of Credentials Committee
2018 RCDC Royal College of Dentists of Canada, Board of Directors, Pediatric Dentistry Director
2018 CDA Canadian Dental Association, USC& LS Advisory Committee, Specialists Member
2017 CDA SEAL Recognition Committee, Member
2018 Canadian Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Past President
2017 Public Health Agency of Canada, Government of Canada, National Caries Risk Assessment Tool Working Group
2016 CDA Leaders in Dentistry Forum
2016 Canadian Dental Specialists Association, Board of Trustees, Trustee representing Pediatric Dentistry
2015 ODA Sustainable and Equitable Funding Advisory Committee (SEFAC) committee member
2014 CDA National Oral Health Action Plan working group (NOHAP-WG) renamed Canadian Oral Health Roundtable 2015
2013 CDA Access to Care Committee, renamed National Coordinating Group on Access to Care, member, ODA representative
2013-2016 AAPD Board of Trustees, North Central District Trustee
2013-2016 AAPD Trustee, Constitution and Bylaws Committee, Board Liaison
2013-2016 AAPD Trustee, Credentials and Ethics Committee, Board Liaison
2013-2015 Poster Session restructuring task force member, Scientific Program subcommittee, AAPD Annual Session Committee
2013-2015 AAPD Recruitment task force member, AAPD Board of Trustees
2007-2008 North Central Society of Pediatric Dentists, President
2003-2014 American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Council on Annual Session Scientific Program Subcommittee, Member and Poster Clinic Program, Chair
Dr. Richard Andrews , Pediatric Dentist
Where did you do your training?
I was very fortunate to be able to travel with my studies to live and learn in multiple communities across Canada. Following high school in Mississauga, I completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology at McMaster University (BSc). While I contemplated what to do next I started a second undergraduate degree in Biomedical Science at Brock University, but I successfully matriculated at the University of Saskatchewan where I completed my Doctor of Dental Medicine degree (DMD). After graduating dental school, I completed a General Practice Residency at Mt. Sinai Hospital (University of Toronto) then a Master of Science in Pediatric Dentistry (MSc) at the University of Toronto. Most recently, I successfully achieved fellowship status with the Royal College of Dentists of Canada (FRCDC).
What do you enjoy the most about your job?
Simply, giving back. I’m very grateful to have been taught and mentored by tremendous people throughout my athletic and academic career which motivates me to give back to my community. Since I was a teenager, I’ve enjoyed supporting my community by working/volunteering with children and people with special health care needs. Now as a pediatric dentist I provide care for kids from all walks of life and abilities to help them achieve their health goals. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic I also enjoyed giving back by traveling to northern remote communities to provide dental care for Indigenous children. In addition to giving back through my dental practice of pediatric dentistry, I also support my dental community by teaching and supervising dental students in the Children’s Clinic at the University of Toronto. Education is very important to me and its very rewarding to do my small part in supporting the pediatric dentistry training for the next generation of dentists.
What is the most misunderstood thing about being a Pediatric Dentist?
How Pediatric Dentists can help your child(ren) and the role we play in supporting the government programs are both often misunderstood. It is my hope and dream that pediatric dentists play an important part in achieving a cavity free generation through our direct care for children and by advocating for government policies that will serve and support the oral health of children and people with special needs.
What do you do to relax and unwind?
I enjoy building and tinkering with various hobby projects, reading fantasy or dystopian fiction novels, spending time with family and friends, hiking/camping, and traveling to explore and experience food and culture around the world.
Please list some recent volunteer positions/activities you have undertaken.
2019-2020 Graduate and Post-Graduate Student Society University of Toronto President
2018-2019 Graduate and Post-Graduate Student Society University of Toronto Treasurer
2013-2016 Oral Health, Total Health Saskatoon chapter Chair and Founder, Post-Chair
2015-2016 University of Saskatchewan Year 4 Class President
2014 Experience US recruitment event University of Saskatchewan Representative
2012-2016 Mouth Guard Clinic University of Saskatchewan Volunteer
Our Location
Our office is centrally located in Mississauga, with several significant landmarks around. We’re located north of Trillium Mississauga Hospital. Around us, you’ll find the fire station directly to the south, St. Catherine of Siena church next door to the north, and Rabba Fine Foods across Hurontario Street. Contact us if you need directions—we’ll help you get here.
