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Dr. Kirk Preston in his dental clinic

Dr. Kirk Preston (DDS’95) says that if you look at his high school yearbook from 1977, the year he graduated, the photo caption says he planned to study dentistry. Although he explored different options along the way, dentistry did indeed become the profession he has enjoyed for over 30 years. He also continues to support HÂþ»­â€™s Faculty of Dentistry so that it can continue to deliver the quality of education he feels he received.

Building a foundation in Labrador
Kirk Preston’s family lived in Labrador for several years where Preston’s father worked for the military. Growing up there gave Preston the opportunity to take up downhill skiing in a serious way, and he competed throughout high school as part of a ski team.

He also – somewhat unusually – became an accomplished touch typist at school, typing classes being the alternative to rather rigorous floor hockey. These classes gave him hand skills that he has been grateful for throughout his career.

Preston is not exactly sure how the idea of dentistry as a career arose, but he knew the hands-on nature of the profession appealed to him, plus the interaction with people and the prospect of being his own boss. He also liked that the science and the equipment changed frequently, which meant constant learning.

At 16, Preston left Labrador for Fredericton and the University of New Brunswick, where he studied chemistry. Keen to start working as soon as possible after graduating, Preston returned to Labrador where he had a job in a chemistry lab at an iron ore company. Two years later, he studied for a BEd at Memorial University in St. John’s, NL, then he had a stint of teaching high school chemistry and physics. After another two years, he was back at MUN for a MEd in curriculum, followed by a position in the school district office.

An evolving career in dentistry
"I like to take all events and turn them into learning opportunities for me," he says. What he realized at this point in his career was that he wanted a change of direction. The idea of being a dentist that had lain dormant for several years resurfaced.

After a successful application, Preston began his dentistry studies at HÂþ»­ in 1991, aged 30. He enjoyed the program and he did well, receiving several prizes along the way. Four years later, with his new DDS degree in hand, he took a bold step. "I felt very comfortable in my skillset when I graduated from HÂþ»­," he says, "so I bought an office in Fredericton and had my own practice from day one."

When his wife Ruth started law school at HÂþ»­ in 2007, Preston began teaching part-time in the HÂþ»­ Faculty of Dentistry, which brought his skillsets together.

Preston’s years of general dentistry and teaching led to the realization that he enjoyed treating older patients, many of whom require prosthodontic treatment. "I like interacting with that population," he says, "and I really like prosthodontics because it is so hands-on. There is also a tremendous need for this area of dentistry in New Brunswick."

At this point, Preston sold his Fredericton practice and left with his wife and new baby for the University of Toronto where he studied for an MSc in prosthodontics. Back in NB three years later, he started a new dental practice in Fredericton, which became busy immediately. Seeing that many patients travelled from Saint John for appointments, he added a second office in Saint John where he now spends two days a week. He says that he could easily work full time in both locations.

Despite Preston’s busy schedule, he still finds time to volunteer with organized dentistry, both provincially and nationally, and is currently president elect of the CDA. He will take up his new role as president in April 2026.

The decision to give
Preston has been a supporter of digital dentistry at the Faculty of Dentistry since December 2019.  He says it’s "where I’d like to see the Faculty grow." His own dental practice is totally digital and totally paperless.

Part of the reason for his support to the Dal Faculty of Dentistry is that he feels the quality of education he received there was exceptional. "I think of it as a centre of excellence," he adds, "and by giving money specifically to digital dentistry, it’s a way to keep the school and students current with the latest technologies."

His other reason is more personal. "I want to give while I’m alive," he says, "so that I can see the impact on what I’m supporting."

Of all the universities he has attended, Dal has a special place in his heart. "Our class was together for four years in a very supportive and safe environment," he says. Not only that, but he received financial prizes and had a summer job in the Faculty that helped enrich his education. "The dental school was generous to me, so I want to give back. I think they deserve it."