October 21, 2009
Dean Boran presented Cara Tax with the W.W. Wood ward at the Prizes and Awards Ceremony October 21, 2009. He said "It is my distinct honor to present the WW Wood Award. This outstanding award sponsored by the ACFD and the Faculty of Dentistry is in recognition of outstanding excellence in dental education. This award is presented to Professor Cara Tax.
Cara has demonstrated a commitment to teaching and learning that is well recognized in the field of dental and dental hygiene education. She is an effective communicator and possesses the inter-professional skills that foster excellent working relationships with students, faculty and the community at large. Cara never misses an opportunity to promote active learning and mentor students and colleagues alike, especially in the area of inter-professional health education.
Cara is not a graduate of Dalhousie Dental Hygiene Program, but close. Cara graduated from the closely linked Dental Faculty and the University of Manitoba which has seen various excellent academic talent, migrate eastward to Dalhousie University.
Cara did complete her M.Ed. here in 2007 at Mount Saint Vincent. Cara is married to Ted and has 3 children, David, Jamie and Dana. As I understand, they are experiencing the empty nest syndrome.
Professor Tax's profile has continued to flourish over the years as a leader in dental hygiene education. Course Director in six different courses in the Dental Hygiene Curriculum from clinic to ethics, professional issues to two of my favorites:
1) Course Director: Teaching Methodologies and Practicum which provides BDH students the opportunity to teach within an undergraduate dental hygiene program.
2) Cutting edge in Teaching as Course Director in Radiology which will help facilitate the transition to digital radiography for dental hygiene and dentistry students. Cara has served on numerous committees in the Faculty in provincial and national professional levels, including The National Dental Hygiene Certification Board‚ 2003 to present.
Cara started as a part-time faculty member and has been successful in promotion to Assistant Professor and a full-time tenure track faculty member.
Professor Tax has been the recipient of the 2007 University of Manitoba ‚ Alumni of Distinction‚ Award for Dental Hygiene which is in recognition of an alumni who served the profession or community in such a way as to have distinguished themselves and indirectly brought distinction and honor to the faculty and the profession.
I think this sums it up quite nicely about Cara. Professor Tax is a conscientious, caring, sharing cup half-full, unselfish educator. The type of teacher we all remember as that special one who made a difference in our lives.
I know you will all join me in thanking Cara for her contributions to the educational experience she has provided our students and wish her continued success.
Cara, please come forward and accept a token of our appreciation. Congratulations!"