Dr. Haryett leaves a legacy

A special event recognizing his donation was held August 30

Cheryl Deslaurier - 30 August 2017

The School of Dentistry hosted an event on August 30 to recognize a very important individual - Dr. Rowland (Bus) Haryett. Haryett was the founder of the Orthodontic Graduate Program. He started his career at the school as a sessional lecturer in 1954 and held various appointments until his retirement in the 1990s, but his presence in the profession continued long after he retired. It was his drive, knowledge, and passion that brought Haryett to develop a much-needed Orthodontic Grad program that came to fruition in 1970.

In addition to Haryett's passion for orthodontics, he was a connoisseur of art. He started collecting pieces in the 1970s as he says that once he started he couldn't stop. He enjoyed it and wanted to support the artists and their work.

"I would have to cancel patients when I found out there was an art show in town just so I could go to it and buy some pieces," said Haryett.

There were many times when Haryett's wife Muriel (now passed) would ask: "When did you get this piece and he would reply, "Oh, that, I've had that for a long time." He chuckles as he recalls this memory.

Haryett donated over 200 pieces of art to the University of Alberta Hospital Foundation, one of the largest single art donations ever made to the hospital. The school received over 70 pieces to hang in our clinic. This summer several pieces of Haryett's collection was hung for everyone to enjoy.

Along with his donation of valuable art, Haryett chose the School of Dentistry as a place to support through a generous donation. His donation will be directed to support research as this is what he wanted. Haryett was passionate about research as through his academic career he was involved in the advancement of orthodontic dental education, included conducting a landmark study of orthodontics in 53 North American dental schools which helped standardize teaching across Universities. He also conducted and published research in the areas of thumb-sucking, mouth breathing, and dento-facial development.

"Much like Dr. Haryett left a legacy with the Orthodontic grad program, he is now leaving another legacy through his donated art and through his support towards research," said Dr. Major.