On June 21, 2024, Dr. Wibowo received a prestigious award from the College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta (CDSA), commemorating his 25 years of dedicated service. We had the pleasure of interviewing him about this milestone and his experiences in the dental profession.

A Memorable Milestone

Receiving the award at a grand luncheon hosted by the CDSA, Dr. Wibowo shared his experience:

“Yes, it was a fancy luncheon with plated chicken, organized by the CDSA, our governing body in Alberta. They give out awards for 10, 25, 40, and 50 years of service. Mine was the mid-life (crisis) version. The award was a framed certificate, and although the announcer mispronounced my name, they got the spelling right. I typically avoid the stage, which is why I didn’t collect my 10-year award 15 years ago. Dr. Randall Croutze presented the award, and I had my moment in the spotlight for a photo.”

Dr. Wibowo humorously downplayed the significance of the 25-year milestone, but it was clear the recognition meant a lot to him. Reflecting on the event, he noted:

“Seeing the glass trophies for the 40-year awards and the larger 50-year award was inspiring. A colleague at my table received his 50-year award and brought his family to the luncheon. It was heartwarming and a reminder of what a well-rounded career looks like. Despite feeling like a kindergarten child next to him, it was amazing to see someone still practicing after 50 years. Imagine all the changes he’s witnessed in the profession!”

Reflecting on 25 Years

When asked what the 25-year award meant to him, Dr. Wibowo mused:

“It’s not really midlife, maybe more like three-quarters? Receiving this award made me think about my upcoming 25th class reunion. The profession is all I’ve ever known, and I’m proud to be a dentist. My wife was with me at the luncheon, and I owe her a lot. Unfortunately, they didn’t let any of the recipients give speeches—just take it and go. I noticed the majority of awardees were 10-year recipients, with numbers dwindling for the 25-year, 40-year, and down to just two for the 50-year. It’s a sobering statistic, but maybe it means people are retiring early, which is also good.”

Looking to the Future: Uxbridge Dental Care

With 25 years behind him, Dr. Wibowo is far from slowing down. Exciting plans are on the horizon with the opening of a new practice, Uxbridge Dental Care. He enthusiastically shared:

“I’m starting a brand-new practice, Uxbridge Dental Care, with a new environment and staff. I aim to ensure all patients are well looked after and welcome new patients from surrounding communities like St. Andrews, Varsity, University Heights, Montgomery, Shaganappi, Parkdale, Hillhurst, Briar Hill, Capital Hill, and Brentwood. Basically, anyone is welcome, regardless of where they live.”

Additionally, Dr. Wibowo is committed to continuous learning and professional development:

“I’ll continue attending new and exciting continuing education courses to seek better treatment techniques and learn new things. Dentistry is ever-evolving, and there’s always something new.”

Embracing Challenges with Enthusiasm

When asked if he could handle the demands of starting a new practice while staying current with advancements in dentistry, Dr. Wibowo confidently replied:

“I will try my best. One year at a time.”

Dr. Wibowo’s journey is a testament to his dedication to the dental profession and his patients. As he embarks on this new chapter with Uxbridge Dental Care, we wish him continued success and fulfillment in his career.