A new partnership between the Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority, Saskatchewan Polytechnic, and the University of Saskatchewan has been awarded $150,000 by Indigenous Services Canada to create a model for establishing the only accredited dental therapy program in Canada.

In 1987 the Dental Therapy program delivered through the former Wascana Institute closed, and the National School of Dental Therapy closed in 2011, ending all dental therapy education in Canada. The absence of a dedicated dental therapist program has amplified access to care issues in remote communities.

The program’s focus will include: The recruitment of Indigenous students; utilizing multiple campuses to enable students to learn where they live; and the use of a laddering model to develop a career path for dental aides and dental assistants. The model will also enable students to complete the program in steps, allowing them to take a break from their studies and find employment if needed. The program will also offer dual licensing opportunities for dental hygienists.

This proposal is the first step in establishing the funding needed to start the dental therapy program, which is expected to be ready to accept students by March 2022.