Edmonton Dentist Awarded for Anti-Smoking Efforts
A dentist from Edmonton has received an award in recognition of his anti-smoking efforts.
Dr Steve Patterson has been actively involved in anti-smoking initiatives for the last 25 years and his hard work has paid off, after he recently received the 2012 Barb Tarbox Award of Excellence in Tobacco Reduction.
Dr Patterson is associate chair and dean of the University of Alberta’s school of dentistry and he has helped hundreds of people to quit smoking over the course of his career. Patterson said that his job is very rewarding and he enjoys having the opportunity to work with many people, from all walks of life and giving them the encouragement and support they need to give up smoking.
Patterson developed an interest in helping people to quit after seeing the effects smoking had on both oral and general health during his time at a dental practice in Wetaskiwin at the beginning of his dentistry career. He become involved with community projects and has been helping people to quit since.
Patterson believes that dentists are in an ideal position to help patients because they are aware of the dangers associated with smoking and can spot warning signs of oral and general health problems during examinations. Dr Patterson said that it was a great honour to receive the award.
Join this Discussion
