After qualifying as a dentist in 1974 from the University of Pretoria, South Africa and spending some time in a private general practice, Prof De Vries joined full time academics. He obtained the B.ChD (Hons) and M.Dent degrees from the University of Pretoria.

 

Prof De Vries was Head of Operative Dentistry at The Medical University of Southern Africa for 10 years and Dean for seven and a half years. During this time he served as the chair of the Dental Deans Committee, served on the Medical and Dental Council, the Dental Technician Council, The University Council and various professional bodies.

 

From 1998 to 2006 Prof De Vries was Professor and Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Manitoba, Canada. He was awarded the Fellowship of the “International Academy of Dentistry”, the Fellowship of the Pierre Fauchard Academy, and was inducted as a Fellow of the “American College of Dentists” and a Fellow of the “International College of Dentists.”

 

Prof De Vries is currently the immediate past President of the International Federation of Dental Educators and Associations and a member of the Board of Directors of the International Organisation. Until 2006 he was the Chair of the Education Council of the Canadian Dental Association and the Chair of the Committee on Dental Academia, Canadian Dental Association. He served as a member on the Governing structure of the Canadian Dental Association. Member of the Advisory Board for the Council for Educational Research and Development, Canada and a member of the Steering Committee for the Global Dental Congress during September in Ireland which was attended by dental academics from 66 countries.

 

He was the Chair of the Dental Deans Committee in Canada. He served as chair-elect on the Advisory Board for the American Dental Deans Leadership Institute and was President of the Association of Canadian Faculties of Dentistry. He was a member of the Council of Deans for the American Dental Education Association and also the Vice Chair of the Federal Dental Care Advisory Committee of the Federal Health Department, Canada. Member of the Advisory Board of IVIDENT as well as & Visiting Professor of, Kings College, London. Member of the Academic Council, International Medical University. During his career presented 190 lectures/Papers at national and international meetings.

 

Prof De Vries was awarded the Canadian Dental Association Annual Distinguished Service Award in 2006, an award of merit from the Manitoba Dental Association in 2006, Presidents Award from the Manitoba Dental Association in 2006 and a Certificate of Service from the Canadian Dental Association in 2007.

 

He was also a member of the Oman Accreditation Councils Quality Audit Panel, as well as a member of the Editorial Board, European Journal of Dental Education.