B.Sc., D.D.S., M.B.A., L.L.M.

PROFESSIONAL INVOLVEMENT

RCDSO (2021-Present)

✧Executive Committee

✧Council Member

✧Chair, Inquiries, Complaints, and Reports Committee

DOCS Program (UWO) (2007-2015)

✧Volunteer Part-Time Adjunct Faculty member

UWO Dental Student Society (2007-2008)

✧Vice President, External Affairs

MedOutreach (UWO)  (Summer 2009)

✧Volunteer expedition to Tanzania

K-W Community Orchestra (1998-2015)

✧President (2012-2015)

✧Double Bass/Second Violin player

PERSONAL PROFILE

I grew up in Waterloo, attending Sandowne Public School, MacGregor Senior Public School, and Waterloo Collegiate Institute. I completed my undergraduate studies at Dalhousie University, majoring in Neuroscience before attending the University of Western Ontario (now Western University) for dental school. While practising full-time, I completed my MBA at Wilfrid Laurier University, and recently completed a Masters degree in Health Law (LLM)  through Osgoode Hall Law School at York University, which reflects my interest in professional governance.

I practise full-time in St. Clements (Township of Wellesley), where I opened my office in 2012. As my small-town family practice grew, I spent several years working and volunteering in Downtown Kitchener. I understand the challenges involved in delivering economically sustainable and ethical care to those who need it most, because I face them daily in private practice.

In my spare time, I am a semi-professional musician who enjoys performing in the orchestra pits of community theatre productions across Southwestern Ontario. I live in West Perth.

ISSUES OF INTEREST

• Passionate about impact of regulatory issues on access-to-care.

• Committed to collaborative approach between RCDSO and front-line Dentists, emphasising shared goals of delivering high standard of patient care and putting patients first.

A letter to my colleagues…

Dear Colleagues,

I am writing to you to highlight why I would be an excellent RCDSO Councillor for District 7, and to request your vote in the upcoming election.

We are still facing unprecedented professional challenges and opportunities, such as governance reform initiatives, the creation and expansion of government-funded dental care programs, and evolving dentist-patient relationships shaped by technology and the proliferation of non-traditional practice models. My life as a Dentist and practice owner, combined with my MBA and Master of Laws degree (LLM) in Health Law comprise a diverse background that is unique and effective in navigating issues from both chairside and at administrative levels.

My experience as a current Council Member, serving on the RCDSO Executive Committee and working as Chair of the Inquiries, Complaints, and Reports Committee (ICRC), combined with my everyday experiences on the frontlines of general dentistry make me the ideal person to advocate for functional, evidence-based goals and strategies that put patients first. I understand how things work in the dental office and at the regulatory level, which puts me in an ideal position to negotiate policies that are effective and appropriate in enabling us to provide our patients with the highest level of care.

As front-line dentists, we experience the direct impact of regulatory changes, and we see how these changes directly affect our patients. The RCDSO’s mandate is to serve the public interest, and Dentists become healthcare professionals because we share a passion for serving our communities. I believe that we are on a common path toward excellence, and I want to help forge it.

Thank you for taking the time to read my letter. I would be grateful for the chance to continue as your District 7 RCDSO Councillor, and humbly request your support in the upcoming election.

Sincerely,

Dr. Erin Walker

HOW AND WHEN TO VOTE:

Voting will take place between Tuesday, November 26th, and Wednesday, December 11th at 2:00 pm. All Ontario dentists who are eligible to vote in the districts where Council elections are taking place will receive an email from Big Pulse, the election services provider, on November 26 with a link to a ballot. You can find more details about the voting process on the RCDSO Election website.

Questions? Email elections@rcdso.org.