(file photo/paNOW)

By paNOW staff

Dental therapy

Prince Albert campus included in new dental therapy program

May 17, 2022 | 11:52 AM

A newly announced dental therapy degree program will include Prince Albert in one of three campuses the program is available.

The program is aimed at Indigenous students and hopes to address the issue of dental care on reserves.

In Prince Albert, seven students per year will be able to study at the U of S campus in the city with the first start date in September 2023.

“What an exciting announcement,” said Dr. Doug Brothwell (DMD), dean of the USask College of Dentistry. “It has been over four years since NITHA approached the college requesting that we work together to solve the problem of access to dental care in their 34 member First Nations.

Seven students per year will also be accepted into the Northlands College Campus in La Ronge and another seven will be able to study at the Regina location of Sask. Polytech.

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Money for the program will come from Indigenous Services Canada, but NITHA will operate it as a partnership with the three schools.

The program will be structured to let students use a ‘multi-entry, multi-exit model’ so they can complete the program in steps, even taking breaks between steps to find a job if needed.

Dental hygienists will also be able to license through the program.

“NITHA is excited this program is coming to fruition. A program to address the oral health needs throughout NITHA continues to be a top priority for our Board of Chiefs,” said NITHA Executive Director Tara Campbell. “Our leadership has been advocating for a program since the closure of the National School of Dental Therapy; Growing capacity in dental therapy is central to improving Indigenous oral health, not only in Saskatchewan but, across the country.”

In 1987 the dental therapy program delivered through the former Wascana Institute closed, and the National School of Dental Therapy closed in 2011, ceasing all dental therapy education in Canada.

The effects continue to be felt by remote communities in Saskatchewan and across the country where dental therapists traditionally worked. The absence of a dedicated dental therapy program has aggravated access to care issues in these remote communities.

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panews@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow