— Dr. Doug Mackey

Welcome to Drilling Down, the new Nova Scotia Dental Association podcast exploring the issues shaping dentistry in Nova Scotia and beyond.

For our first-ever episode, host Dr. Caleb Porter, a practising general dentist and former NSDA president, welcomes Dr. Doug Mackey, Registrar of the Nova Scotia Regulator of Dentistry and Dental Assisting.

What does the regulator actually do—and what happens when a patient makes a complaint? Doug takes listeners behind the scenes, explaining how his work supports patient safety, professional standards and public confidence in dentistry. He also discusses the transition to Nova Scotia’s Regulated Health Professions Act and what “right-touch regulation” means for everyday practice.

With warmth, candour and experience on both sides of the complaints process, Doug shares practical advice on communicating treatment options, discussing fees and responding when a patient is unhappy. His message: a direct conversation, a willingness to listen and thoughtful reflection can make a meaningful difference.

About our guest

Dr. Doug Mackey graduated from Dalhousie University’s dentistry program in 1999 and practised in Coldbrook, Nova Scotia, before becoming registrar in 2021. His background includes serving as the Provincial Dental Board’s representative on the National Dental Examining Board. He continues to practise dentistry one day a week at Canadian Forces Base Greenwood.

Have a question or an idea for a future episode? Get in touch with the Nova Scotia Dental Association by email: communications.nsda@bellaliant.com. 

And please subscribe to Drilling Down, leave a rating and review where you listen and share this episode with a colleague.

Available wherever you get your podcasts.

Dr. Caleb Porter is a former president of the Nova Scotia Dental Association and a practising general dentist in Nova Scotia.