Powell River’s Dr. Ashok Varma was recognized with the College of Dental Surgeons of British Columbia’s (CDSBC) highest honour at a ceremony in Vancouver on March 7.
Varma received the Honoured Member Award from the province’s dental regulatory body for his decades of exceptional volunteer contributions to the organization and the field of dentistry in BC.
“All successful organizations are so because of their outstanding volunteers,” said CDSBC president and board chair Dr. Peter Lobb. “Dr. Ash Varma has been recognized with the College of Dental Surgeons of BC’s highest honour because of the many years of dedication and diligence that he has contributed to fulfilling our mandate to serve and protect the public. He is an inspiration to all of us at CDSBC.”
Varma has been involved with the organization for more than 30 years. He is past president and has served on its board for over 10 years, currently chairing its quality assurance working group. This group oversees continuing education requirements for dentists, dental therapists and certified dental assistants, helping to ensure the public is served by competent, well-trained health-care professionals.
Dentistry runs in the family. After graduating from the dental program at the University of British Columbia, Ashok joined his father, Dr. Virendra Varma, at his dental practice. Dr. Varma Sr. established Powell River’s first on-call service for after-hours dental emergencies. He retired in 2002.
Ashok has now been in private practice in Powell River for 35 years, working with his wife, Deleigh, who is a certified dental assistant. The couple have two grown children, one of whom is currently studying to be a dentist.
Ashok and his family are very involved in the local community. He is a member and past president of the Rotary Club of Powell River.
