Dr. Dana Bailey honoured for 50 years in dentistry
By Joan Janzen
KINDERSLEY — Dr. Dana Bailey was recognized for 50 years in dentistry at the College of Dental Surgeons of Saskatchewan Annual General Meeting in Saskatoon on Friday, June 5. The milestone was shared with two fellow dentists, one of whom was Bailey's classmate.
After graduating with distinction from the University of Saskatchewan College of Dentistry, Bailey and Dr. Lloyd Orthner worked as associate dentists in Regina before opening a dental clinic in Kindersley in May 1978.
Dr. Dana Bailey was honoured for 50 years in dentistry at the College of Dental Surgeons of Saskatchewan Annual General Meeting in Saskatoon on Friday, June 5. Pictured with Bailey are CDSS President-Elect Dr. Raj Bhargava, left, and CDSS President Dr. Mike Fowler, right. Photo by Marge Bailey
The most difficult period of Bailey's career came when Orthner became ill and passed away in 2006.
"It was the most challenging time for me personally when Dr. Orthner got sick," he recalled. "We were carrying the work load of the whole office, hoping he was coming back. That was the most stressful time, but we were so blessed because all our dental staff stayed with us and went through it with us."
Over five decades, Bailey witnessed significant changes in the profession, from handwritten appointment ledgers to online scheduling. He emphasized the importance of keeping pace with new technology, while noting that the fundamentals of dentistry remain constant. Only the materials have changed.
Running a practice also came with unexpected challenges. "We were never trained how to manage and operate a dental office," he said. Administration, hiring and staff management were not part of dental school training.
Staffing coverage in a smaller centre added another layer of difficulty. "We didn't have access to receptionists and hygienists to take over during maternity leaves," he said. With a predominantly female staff, that gap required constant attention.
His approach to the team was straightforward. "We always tried to stay positive, and always wanted them to know they're appreciated," he said. "We work with them day in and day out, so it's good to have a good relationship. Always talking about their families, asking how they're doing and creating a team atmosphere."
Bailey and Orthner also served as team dentists for the Kindersley Klippers and the KCS football team, providing mouth guards for players. Over the years, Bailey has delivered orthodontic services to multiple generations of Kindersley families.
Beginning in 2004, Bailey made 12 trips to a mission base in Guatemala, bringing donated dental equipment and care to patients who otherwise had no access to services.
"It was a love transaction without any exchange of money," he said. "We took a whole bunch of people with us, including young adults who realized how blessed they are in Canada and were able to see life from a different perspective."
Dr. Krista Maedel joined the practice in 2009 and purchased Lifetime Dental in 2016. Bailey continues to work part-time as an associate dentist there.
He remains clear-eyed about what has kept him going. "Probably the most rewarding part is diagnosing the cause of pain. And what I love is you start the job and finish it. I like to finish a job; it's instant gratification," he said.
After 50 years, Dr. Bailey has finished a great many jobs. His patients are grateful for every one of them. Congratulations, Dr. Bailey.