A Career of Care and Leadership: Wishing Dr. Lucie Papineau all the best in retirement

Dr Lucie Papineau, Chief of Dentistery, retired July 3, 2026. This represents the culmination of an incredible 35 years of unwavering service to oral health in Eeyou Istchee

Having first served as a permanent dentist and then nearly two decades as a leader, her impact extended beyond her titles, Clients and colleagues will remember a builder of better practices and a champion for access to care

35 Years of professional dedication and growth

Dr. Papineau began her career on June 13, 1991, shortly after graduating from the Université de Montréal with a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree. Waswanipi was her home as the sole permanent dentist for her first 15 years of service, demonstrating a strong commitment to continuity of care. She then finished a large part of her career in Nemaska and Oujé-Bougoumou.

From 1999 to 2003, she served as President of the Council of Physicians, Dentists and Pharmacists and was also a member of the CBHSSJB Board of Directors. In 2008, she became Chief of the Dental Department, a role she held for 18 years.

Contributions far beyond clinical practice

She was instrumental in developing the Cree NIHB program, ensuring access to dental services across the region.

Her commitment to service accessibility led to dental services expansion in multiple communities, supporting the opening of clinics in Eastmain, Mistissini, Nemaska, Waswanipi, Wemindji, and most recently, Waskaganish.

She pursued advanced training in management and leadership, which proved vital during challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and workforce shortages.

As an advocate, she championed the needs of Cree communities before the Board, the Ministry, negotiators, and the media, ensuring critical issues and areas for improvement were heard.

She established or expanded structures, best practices, rules and regulations, specialized services, equipment and programs to strengthen the department’s operations. This positive legacy will be felt for decades to come.

Colleagues and friends made along the way

Beyond her professional achievements, colleagues will remember Dr. Papineau for her vibrant personality. She is described as sociable and full of energy, with a generous and contagious laugh. Her passion and presence made her a natural leader.

Dr. Papineau captured this through heartfelt words shared with her colleagues:

“To my colleagues, collaborators, and friends: working alongside you has been an extraordinary human experience. Together, we have faced challenges, shared successes, and built something truly meaningful.

I leave with my heart and mind filled with precious memories of remarkable people, meaningful moments, and stories that will continue to live within me.”

Dr. Manon St-Pierre, a long-time colleague of more than three decades, describes her as being driven by a constant motivation to advance the department and improve care provided by the CBHSSJB, having developed a profound attachment for the people of Eeyou Istchee.

Dentistry in good hands

As a remarkable career concludes, the department looks toward the future, as Dr. Shayan Sadeghi assumed the role of Chief of Dentistry on June 9, 2026.

Dr. Papineau expressed full confidence in his leadership, symbolizing a thoughtful and optimistic transition.

Dr. Lucie Papineau leaves a legacy in clinics, programs, policies, and, most importantly, in the lives of the colleagues and clients she supported. Her contributions have shaped the dental services landscape across the territory.

The CBHSSJB expresses its deep gratitude, knowing her impact will be felt for many years to come.