A legacy of excellence: Dr. Paul Major honoured with the prestigious Bulyea Cup

The Bulyea Cup is the school's highest honour, reserved for faculty members who have clearly excelled in both teaching and research, oral health care professionals dedicated to service and education, and community members who have made outstanding contributions to the oral health sciences. Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Major has not only met these benchmarks—he has completely redefined them, leaving a legacy that will shape our School for decades to come.

Dr. Major’s journey with the University of Alberta began as a student, earning his DDS in 1980, followed by a Diploma in Orthodontics and an MSc in Clinical Sciences. Joining the faculty in 1988, he stepped into the role of School Chair in January 2010. Serving an unprecedented three terms over 16 years, his leadership has guided the school through some of its most transformative eras.

Under his visionary stewardship, the school underwent a profound evolution from a historically vulnerable position regarding research and accreditation into an academic powerhouse. Today, the school proudly ranks 2nd in Canada and 73rd worldwide. He provided the resources and unwavering support for the complete overhaul of the DDS curriculum, an effort that culminated in the school receiving the prestigious international Gies Award for Innovation. From managing the physical relocation from Dent/Pharm to the Kaye Edmonton Clinic, Katz and Kipnes to steering restructuring and keeping operations thriving through the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic, his business acumen and financial stewardship kept the school stable and successful.

As a researcher, Dr. Major has established an international reputation in orthodontic biomechanics and advanced craniofacial morphology imaging. He has published over 305 peer-reviewed publications, continually securing external funding to advance the field. Under his leadership, the school achieved the highest per capita faculty research publications in Canada.

However, his greatest academic legacy lies in the people he has mentored and trained. Since 1988, he has taught approximately 150 orthodontic graduate students in classroom and clinical settings. He has supervised and guided over 80 MSc and PhD students since 2002, many of whom now hold prominent academic and leadership positions across Canada and around the globe.

Dr. Major’s influence extends far beyond the campus walls. Nationally, he has been a "leader among leaders," serving as President of the Association of Canadian Faculties of Dentistry (ACFD) from 2021 to 2023. In this role, he played a key role in identifying a critical national need, which led to drafting a proposal that secured a large $8.2 million federal grant. This funding launched the ACFD Bridge Training to Dental Practice in Canada program, creating a vital, accredited pathway to licensure for internationally trained dentists. The project is currently running its second pilot of cohorts.

Closer to home, Dr. Major’s impact in the community is driven by a passion for ensuring underserved populations receive quality oral health care. His personal philanthropy and fundraising campaigns have brought crucial projects to life. Thanks to his efforts, the school successfully saw the:

• Refurbishment and expansion of operatories within the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital Dental Clinic.
• Expansion and relocation of the Radius inner-city dental clinic formerly known as the Boyle McCauley Health Centre.
• Sustained funding of the pediatric dentistry campaign, ensuring school children are bused directly to the Oral Health Clinic for necessary care.

Dr. Major’s investment in the school goes far beyond his daily work; alongside his wife, Elly, he has been a longstanding philanthropic pillar, generously contributing personal funds to support our students and programs.

Whether through pioneering research, championing new programs or mentoring students and colleagues, Dr. Major’s legacy is defined by a relentless commitment to excellence.

Please join us in celebrating Dr. Paul Major—a deserving recipient of the Bulyea Cup, whose dedication has permanently elevated our school, our profession, and our community.