The University of Saskatchewan launched a dental clinic in Prince Albert as part of their programming. It's hoped more can also be done to train dental therapists. (Submitted photo/ USask)

By Glenn Hicks

dental care

Northern partnership aims to offer unique dental therapy program

Mar 29, 2021 | 5:00 PM

A proposed health program could put a smile on the face of Indigenous populations, especially those in remote communities.

The Northern Inter Tribal Health Authority (NITHA), along with the University of Saskatchewan (USask) and Saskatchewan Polytechnic, are partnering on a dental therapy program—to be based in Saskatchewan—that could start training students next year.

The program’s focus will include the recruitment of Indigenous students and utilizing multiple campuses to enable students to learn where they live.

Dental therapists are trained to perform restorative dental treatment such as fillings, extractions and other preventive services.

“This has been a high priority for our Board of Chiefs and we are excited to collaborate towards improving the oral health of Indigenous Peoples in the province, a vision that we all share, ” Tara Campbell, the executive director of NITHA said in a media release. “This marks a new beginning for dental therapy education in Canada.”

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The partners in the proposed venture have been awarded $150,000 by Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) to create a model for establishing the only accredited dental therapy program in Canada.

According to experts the absence of a dedicated dental therapist program has amplified access to care issues in remote communities.

Recently there has already been some strides taken in north central Saskatchewan towards establishing better access to care for Indigenous populations and the expansion of training for dentists, although this particular program is focused on dental therapists.

“By working together, we aim to create a jointly operated, accredited dental therapy program that will attract Indigenous students from all over Canada and improve access to care for remote and Indigenous populations not only in Saskatchewan but across the country,” said Dr. Doug Brothwell, USask College of Dentistry dean in the release.

Meanwhile, Sandra Blevins, dean of Sask Polytech’s Schools of Health Science and Nursing called dental therapists an integral part of the oral health team.

“They are trained to perform restorative dental treatment such as fillings, extractions and other preventive services,” she said.

The proposal announced Monday 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.

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glenn.hicks@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @princealbertnow