PORT McNEILL—The British Columbia Dental Association (BCDA) announced last week the election of local dentist, Dr. David Baird, as secretary-treasurer of its 2012-2013 Board of Directors.
A general-practice dentist, Dr. Baird has practiced for 32 years in Port McNeill.
"I came up here fresh out of school, and never left," said Baird, who recently turned 60. "Why would you ever leave the North Island?"
Dr. Baird previously sat on the BCDA's Board as the Upper Island region representative, as well as volunteering on various committees and task forces. He began his one-year term as secretary-treasurer in June.
"It involves a little more time being a board member, but not a lot more," said Baird. "The board meets three or four times a year in Vancouver, Victoria, or maybe Kelowna occasionally. And I'm on a couple of other committees, which entails four to eight other meetings a year."
Baird added a new dentist, Dr. Brian Bostrom, to his practice in June.
He lives with his wife Robin, and the couple raised three children who are all working or studying in the medical profession, including one cardiac nurse, a recent nursing program graduate and their youngest daughter, who is currently in dental school.
The British Columbia Dental Association is the recognized voice of dentistry in the province, dedicated to serving the interests of its members and promoting oral health. There are over 3,000 practising dentists in BC.