Behind the mask

Being a dentist means much more than treating teeth. It is a commitment to the health and well-being of patients, but also to playing an active role in the community. Every day, dentists go above and beyond the call of duty to make a real difference.

This year, to mark Oral Health Month, the ACDQ is highlighting the humans behind the profession with a campaign signed Behind the mask, much more than a dentist. Through this inspiring campaign, we invite you to discover the involvement of three dentists who redefine the profession through their human commitment and positive impact. Through their careers, these three dentists epitomize the kind of dentistry that goes beyond care, to impact people.

After over 30 years of practice, Dr. Josée Landry has forged strong, lasting bonds with her patients, who have followed her for years. Today, she returns the favour by offering her care to seniors in long-term care facilities, a choice motivated by a desire to meet an essential need.

Aware that many patients are no longer able to travel to the clinic, Dr. Landry has taken the initiative to visit them directly, thus guaranteeing continuity of care. “My patients have been with me for 30 years. If they end up in a long-term care facility, I’m going to go and see them, that’s a no-brainer for me.”

Dr. Landry’s practice is constantly evolving. For the past ten years, she has been constantly asking herself how she can better support her patients. It was with this in mind that she chose to devote herself to the dental health of seniors in long-term care facilities, an area where she sees a direct impact. For Dr. Landry, working in a long-term care facility goes far beyond simple dental care. It is a real mission, carried out with passion and dedication. “I want everyone, even at the end of life, to have access to the care they need.”

She finds great satisfaction in this involvement, as every smile she receives is a precious recognition of her work. “When I leave the facility, I know I’ve contributed something precious. Their smiles remind me why I do this job.”

Combining dental expertise and human commitment is what Dr. Alexandre Zappa has achieved by getting involved with cancer patients for three years.

As part of his oncology practice, he has supported patients undergoing radiotherapy, a period during which tooth loss is often a painful reality. “Accompanying these patients is an immense challenge, but also a privilege. This is a time of great vulnerability, and I make it my duty to support them with respect, empathy, and appropriate care.”

For him, each treatment goes far beyond dental care: it’s a way of helping his patients regain their confidence and smile after difficult ordeals. “Oncology patients inspire me to push my limits and give my best. In the end, I know I’ve had a real, positive impact on their lives.”

His commitment to oncology has also transformed his private practice. He has developed an even more human approach, adjusting his care to the rhythm and needs of each patient. “This experience has made me grow as a dentist. It taught me the importance of combining technical expertise with compassion, patience, and listening. Working in oncology is much more than a job, it’s about making a profound difference.”

For as long as she can remember, Dr. Isange Remacle has combined her passion for dentistry with a deep desire to help others.

For her, being a dentist is more than a job: it is a commitment that enables her to have a concrete impact on the lives of children and her community. “My profession allows me to help as many people as possible.”

Whether it’s organizing fundraising events, getting involved in charity sports competitions, or spearheading collective projects, her natural leadership transforms every initiative into a true movement for solidarity. Among her many actions, she is always looking for concrete ways to improve the lives of children, demonstrating her commitment to making a real difference. “It creates a sort of mass effect. I’m an involved and positive person, so people around me want to do the same. We realize that we can change lives.”

Dr. Remacle is guided by the conviction that every action, no matter how small, can have a lasting impact. Through her initiatives, she inspires those around her and rallies her team around the same mission: to make a difference, one child at a time. “If I can go above and beyond and help the kids, that’s a win for me.”

The ACDQ would like to thank Drs. Josée Landry, Isange Remacle, and Alexandre Zappa for their generosity throughout the creation of the campaign. It was a real pleasure to discover them!

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The ACDQ would also like to thank Mercredi Studio for bringing to life the passion and dedication of our three dentists.