We are delighted to announce that Corus Doctor-Partner, Dr. Bruce Hill, has been awarded the prestigious Award of Honour – Academic Contribution by the Canadian Association of Orthodontists (CAO). This award, presented at the 74th Annual CAO Conference in Kelowna, B.C., recognizes Dr. Hill’s exceptional contributions to orthodontic education and his instrumental role in creating Canada’s first endowed Chair in Orthodontics at Western University.
A Legacy of Excellence in Orthodontic Education
For over 33 years, Dr. Hill served as a Clinical Adjunct Professor at Western, where he shaped the careers of countless orthodontists. His dedication to teaching and mentoring established Western’s Graduate Orthodontics Program as a top-tier institution in Canada.
In 2017, Dr. Hill, alongside Dr. Len Chumak of Ottawa, undertook an ambitious project to create an Endowed Chair in Graduate Orthodontics at Western. The goal was to secure long-term funding for the program and honor the legacy of Dr. Antonios Mamandras, a key figure in Western’s orthodontic department. This initiative was launched as part of the university’s broader effort to establish endowed Chairs across its faculties, ensuring future financial stability for their programs.
Establishing the Endowed Chair: A Remarkable Achievement
Dr. Hill and Dr. Chumak worked tirelessly to raise $3 million to fund the endowment, an impressive feat given that Western had a relatively small group of 160 orthodontic alumni to approach for donations. Over several years, they reached out to alumni and industry partners, building relationships and securing contributions of all sizes.
The fundraising campaign was also bolstered by the support of other Corus Doctor-Partners, all of whom are Western alumni. Namely, Dr. Robert Elliott who not only donated but played a key role in spearheading the peer-to-peer fundraising campaign. By March 2020, the efforts had paid off. Over 70% of Western’s past orthodontic graduates contributed to the fund, ensuring the program’s financial future.
“It was very much a collaborative effort. Our alumni of the Graduate Orthodontic Program at Western are the ones that should be recognized. Over 100 graduates contributed to this fund, and that’s what makes this accomplishment truly special.” – Dr. Bruce Hill
The Lasting Impact
The Endowed Chair will have a profound and lasting impact on the university’s Graduate Orthodontics Program. The fund will support:
- Attracting world-class faculty—ensures the program can recruit and retain top educators and researchers, elevating the quality of education.
- Enhancing research opportunities—graduate residents will have greater access to funding for innovative research and driving advancements in orthodontics.
- Supporting continued education—provides travel grants, allowing students to attend orthodontic conferences and stay current with the latest developments in the field.
A Model for Other Orthodontic Programs
This feat serves as a powerful model for other orthodontic programs across Canada. Dr. Hill’s work demonstrates how alumni and industry partners can come together to secure the future of educational programs, ensuring they remain competitive and relevant in a rapidly evolving field. It also highlights the critical role orthodontics plays within the broader healthcare landscape.
“Dr. Hill’s contributions prove what is possible when vision and hard work come together for the greater good. This award is a well-deserved recognition of his lifelong dedication to advancing orthodontic education in Canada. It is an honor to have him as part of our network, and we look forward to seeing the continued impact of his work for years to come.” – Dr. Paul Helpard, Corus Founder & Strategic Advisor
About Dr. Bruce Hill
Dr. Bruce Hill graduated with honours from the University of Saskatchewan’s dental program and later received his Masters of Clinical Dentistry from Western University. In 2001, Dr. Hill launched a pro-bono program with the Children’s Aid Society of London and Middlesex, through which over 300 children have received comprehensive orthodontic treatment. Dr. Hill also developed a subspecialty practice focusing on special needs patients, a group for which he has a longstanding commitment.
In 2021, he joined the Corus network as an outstanding doctor-partner, bringing his dedication to mentorship and patient care to his practice, BHG Orthodontics in London, Ontario.
Congratulations, Dr. Hill. Thank you for your continued leadership and dedication, you truly are an inspiration!
To learn more about the CAO Award of Honour – Academic, please visit the CAO Website.
To learn more about the Endowed Chair in Orthodontics, please visit the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, at Western University.
Photos from the President’s Banquet provided by: CAO
