We’re excited to share some fantastic news about one of our own, Dr. Mary Cooke, a proud Corus Doctor-Partner, has been presented with the Distinguished Service Award by the California Association of Orthodontists (CAO). Presented during the CAO Member Reception at the 2024 Western Orthodontic Conference (WoCon), Dr. Cooke became the 32nd recipient of this prestigious honor, joining the ranks of some of the most respected leaders in orthodontics.
The CAO Distinguished Service Award is presented to a California orthodontist who has made significant contribution to the CAO or went above and beyond expectations within the field. Dr. Cooke’s achievements—spanning leadership, innovation, and community service—embody the spirit of this award. Read on to learn more about Dr. Cooke’s incredible career and her lifelong commitment to serving others…
The Journey to Orthodontics
Dr. Cooke credits her inspiration to become an orthodontist to her own childhood experience with a kind and caring orthodontist, Dr. Jim Powers of Sonoma, California. That spark led her to UCLA School of Dentistry, where she excelled academically and served as Student Body President. Next up was her orthodontic residency at UCSF, where she was Chief Resident.
Her dedication didn’t stop there. She jumped into leadership roles with numerous boards and committees, including serving as President of the Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists (PCSO) and the CAO. After gaining some hands-on-experience she didn’t forget the next generation—she dedicates time to mentoring future orthodontists, visiting UCSF to guest lecture and share her expertise and passion.
Fast forward to today, Dr. Mary Cooke leads Cooke Orthodontics in Napa California, where she has been transforming smiles for the last 19 years. A proud Corus Doctor-Partner since 2022, she continues to make an impact in her practice, her profession, and her community.
A Career Built on Service, Leadership and Innovation
Dr. Cooke’s career is not only defined by her technical expertise, but also by her ability to lead and innovate. During her tenure as PCSO President, she personally reached out to every new member —a first in the organization’s history—and a gesture that fostered a more inclusive and connected community. She also spearheaded initiatives to restructure the PCSO board for greater efficiency and introduced member-centered programs that continue to benefit orthodontists across the region.
Her work with the WoCon CE Committee has further elevated professional development opportunities, ensuring orthodontists stay at the forefront of their field.
A Champion for Representation and Community Impact
Volunteering, representation, and advocacy have always been a cornerstone of Dr. Cooke’s leadership.
“It’s especially important to me to represent women in leadership positions. Traditionally, these roles have been underrepresented by women, and I believe I can be a strong leader who advocates for the needs of women in our field.” – Dr. Cooke
Her service to the community goes beyond orthodontics. Dr. Cooke volunteers as President of the Napa Youth Lacrosse Club, a role she took on to support her children’s passion for the sport. Her dedication to volunteering reflects her commitment to strengthening her communities in every way possible.
The Joy of Connecting with Patients
Despite her extensive leadership and service roles, Dr. Cooke remains focused on the most rewarding aspect of her work: connecting with her patients. These deep connections encourage her to continuously strive for excellence in her practice.
“Dr. Cooke is a trailblazer whose leadership and innovation continue to shape the future of our specialty. A one-of-a-kind role model, this award is a true reflection of her incredible impact.” – Dr. Paul Helpard, Corus Founder & Strategic Advisor
Dr. Cooke exemplifies the values we hold dear at Corus Orthodontists—pushing for greatness and building community. This Distinguished Service Award is a testament to her dedication to her patients, the profession, and the communities she serves.
Congratulations Dr. Cooke on this outstanding achievement. At Corus, we’re proud to call you a part of our Corus family!
Want to learn more about joining a network of like-minded doctor-partners like Dr. Mary Cooke? Drop us a line, we’d love to hear from you.
To learn more about the CAO Distinguished Service Award, please visit the CAO Website.
Photos from the CAO Member Reception provided by: PCSO
