On May 1, 2024, Dr. Pat Redmond made Canadian healthcare history. In Gander, Newfoundland, Dr. Redmond became the first dentist in the country to provide care to a patient under the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), a watershed moment in the expansion of affordable dental services nationwide. For anyone who knows Dr. Redmond, this is just another example of his commitment to broadening access to quality care, particularly in Newfoundland’s underserved areas.
Raised in Nova Scotia, Dr. Redmond’s journey into dentistry began at Dalhousie University. After graduating, he spent three years in the Canadian military, where he first practiced dentistry in New Brunswick and Newfoundland. “The military paid for the last three years of dental school,” Dr. Redmond recalls, “and I was stationed in Gander for 18 months. When my service was up, I decided to set up my practice here.”
Since opening his first practice in 1996, Dr. Redmond has steadily grown his operations, eventually becoming the co-owner and operator of 14 dental clinics across Newfoundland. Managing such a wide network is no small feat, but Dr. Redmond has developed an efficient, hands-on approach. “My job is to keep it all moving smoothly,” he explains, “from payroll to supplies, interviewing, hiring, maintenance and even building the clinics ourselves.” This entrepreneurial spirit has been key to his success in managing multiple offices, along with two dental labs that provide additional support.
Dr. Redmond’s clinics offer a wide range of services, including root canals, orthodontics, wisdom tooth extractions, and cosmetic procedures such as veneers and crowns. His offices operate with a multi-specialty approach, hosting visiting specialists in endodontics, oral surgery, and periodontics. Multi-specialty practices are on the rise. Greater convenience, more comprehensive care, and a better patient experience are growing priorities and increasingly, dental professionals like Dr. Redmond are answering the call. “We’re in central Newfoundland, so we get referrals from all over,” he says. “Most specialists are in St. John’s, where wait times can stretch up to a year for certain procedures. We’ve managed to cut that down to two months for root canals.”
Multi-specialty: A win-win approach
Having a multi-specialty dental facility is a win for both patients and dentists. “Of course, there is the obvious advantage of convenience for the patients by giving them the ability to have all their dental needs met in one location and it eliminates the need to commute to various offices in urban centres to have specialized treatment. A family can visit our office and save substantial time that would have otherwise been spent on the phone making appointments, transferring records, and commuting between doctors. Plus, by having an in-house team of specialists, patients will have a dental office that can accommodate their changing needs.”
Dr. Redmond’s ability to recruit specialists from across the country has had a profound impact on both his practice and the community. By bringing in two endodontists who commute between Toronto and Halifax each month, his clinics have dramatically reduced patient wait times for complex procedures, minimizing the discomfort and stress of delayed treatments. “We also have an oral surgeon from Halifax who’s been coming for a week every month for the past 6 years, and a periodontist from St. John’s who visits regularly. This ensures that patients don’t have to endure prolonged pain or take excessive time off work, allowing for faster recovery and healthier, confident smiles." While his team continues to grow, Dr. Redmond notes that they are still actively recruiting a pediatric dentist to complete the roster and further improve patient care.
Even with all he’s accomplished, Redmond remains grounded in his passion for patient care and community involvement. “A lot of people want to live in big cities, but there’s a great community here, and a necessity for these services,” he says. Dr. Redmond has worked tirelessly to bring dental care to underserved areas, where access is often limited. His clinics provide care to patients who would otherwise have to travel hours for treatment, a significant burden for many.
Staying involved in the community brings balance
Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Redmond is deeply involved in his community. He currently serves as the treasurer of the Newfoundland and Labrador Dental Association (NLDA), a role he’s held for over a decade. His leadership extends beyond the dental field, having previously served as president of the Gander and Area Chamber of Commerce and as a director on the boards of both the Gander Airport Authority and the Gander Trailways Committee. Dr. Redmond is also an avid tennis player, currently serving as the president of his local tennis club and a director of Tennis Newfoundland.
His work ethic, however, isn’t confined to his dental clinics or the tennis courts. Dr. Redmond is also known for his community volunteerism, engaging in local initiatives and supporting various causes. One of his more unique hobbies is gardening, where he has a rather ambitious goal: “I’d love to grow a 1,000-pound pumpkin someday,” he laughs.
Though Dr. Redmond’s days are full, he has no plans of slowing down. “I’m 56 years old, and I don’t do hands-on work too often anymore,” he admits. “I’m more focused on administration now, but with the CDCP and covering for vacations, I’ve been stepping in for two and a half days a week chairside.” Still, Dr. Redmond balances his clinical duties with his administrative responsibilities, ensuring that his network of clinics continues to run smoothly.
Dr. Redmond and his wife, Madonna have two daughters, Eva and Ariel. While one daughter is currently attending Memorial University, the other is still in high school. Both daughters are carving out their own paths, with one pursuing communications and the other humorously declaring, “anything but dentistry.”
A new chapter helping CDSPI
In addition to juggling these numerous responsibilities, Dr. Redmond also accepted a role with CDSPI’s Advisory Panel. His business acumen and experience in managing large, multi-specialty practices have made him an invaluable asset. “I like the business side of things,” he notes, “and I enjoy learning about the insurance aspect. I don’t like the status quo, and I hope to contribute something different based on my experiences.”
As dental care in Canada continues to evolve with initiatives like the CDCP, Dr. Redmond’s forward-thinking approach ensures that smaller communities won’t be left behind. His clinics provide an essential service in Newfoundland, filling gaps in access to care and improving patient outcomes. Whether it’s through his innovative management of a multi-specialty practice, his dedication to community service, or his role in shaping the future of dental care in Canada, Dr. Pat Redmond says it’s not just about growing his business, but about creating a lasting impact on the communities he serves—a mission that shows no signs of stopping.