The Mirror, December 2019 The Mirror December 9, Rev Dec 9 | Page 28

GETTING TO BETTER KNOW THE MEMBERS OF THE ACADEMY
DR. GORDON PAYNE
CHIEF EXAMINER IN PAEDIATRIC DENTISTRY FOR THE RCDC
Why did you choose to specialize in pediatric dentistry?
It was really a twist of fate. I always liked kids, but my experiences in the
undergraduate children’s clinic were less than stellar. I was caught off guard one
day when phoned by Dr. John McComb, who informed me that I had been
accepted as an intern at both Toronto Western and Sick Kids Hospitals, and that
I had to make a decision on the spot. I chose Sick Kids based on how nice my
interviewers were! The rest is history.
Where did you do your training?
After delivering the 34th
Annual Feasby Lecture at
Western University (November
2016) - A career highlight.
My first degree was in Pharmacology and Toxicology at Western. I stayed on at
Western to get my DDS, in 1986. I then interned at The Hospital for Sick Children.
After some time in general practice, I went back to school, at U of T this time. I
completed my Diploma in Pediatric Dentistry in 1990 and my Master of Science
in 1992.
What do you enjoy the most about your job?
The kids, of course! I love working with children – they are my fountain of youth.
What do you find most challenging?
Like most Paediatric Dentists, I find dealing with some parents to be a
challenge. I have yet to turn a parent from the Dark Side who read bad things
about fluoride on the internet.
What is the most misunderstood aspect about Pediatric Dentistry?
Basic behaviour management skills! Parents don’t realize it and many dentists
don’t either. A great Paediatric Dentist relies more on behaviour management
techniques than sedation.
Hiking up the trail to the extinct
volcano at Diamond Head State
Monument near Waikiki Beach,
Hawaii while attending the AAPD
conference (May 2018).