Fall Convocation Celebrates First Graduates of Canada’s Only Dental Therapy Degree Program

This unique Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Dental Therapy program, launched in the fall of 2023, aims to address Canada’s urgent need for dental therapists, particularly in rural and Indigenous communities.

“Today marks a milestone for our College of Dentistry as we proudly celebrate the convocation of the first cohort of graduates from our Bachelor of Science in Dental Therapy program”, said Dr. Walter Siqueira, Dean of the College of Dentistry. “Their achievements not only reflect their individual commitment but also the collective effort of our faculty and staff in shaping a program that addresses the evolving needs of our communities.” Siqueira added.

Designed to offer dual entry pathways, the Dental Therapy program welcomes students from diverse backgrounds. High school graduates can apply directly to start from year one, while those already certified as dental hygienists can enter straight into the second year, leveraging their professional experience to accelerate their studies. This fall, 22 graduates from the second-year entry pathway—comprised of current dental hygienists—became the first students to receive their BSc in Dental Therapy. These graduates represent a renewed hope for improving access to dental care in underserved regions across the nation.

Leslie Topola, President of the Saskatchewan Dental Therapists Association feels that the dental therapist program marks a new era for the profession in Saskatchewan and Canada, stating, “This collaborative program fosters diverse, innovative, and inclusive community partnerships, representing a milestone achievement in its unique delivery.”

The program is a collaborative effort, uniting the Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority (NITHA), the University of Saskatchewan (USask) College of Dentistry, Saskatchewan Polytechnic, and Northlands College. It receives financial support from Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), which has invested $2.1 million to establish this pioneering national dental therapy program.

Students in the program benefit from multiple study locations across Saskatchewan. They have the option to attend classes in La Ronge at the Northlands College campus, in Prince Albert at the USask campus, or in Regina at the Sask Polytech campus. Each location accommodates seven students per year, resulting in a total enrollment of 21 students annually.

Reflecting on this milestone, Dr. Gerry Uswak, Director of the Dental Therapy Program, emphasized the significance of these graduates to the dental therapy landscape in Canada. “The graduation of the inaugural Bachelor of Science in Dental Therapy class represents a momentous occasion and signals the rekindling of dental therapy education in Canada. They represent the next generation of dental therapists for the country.” Dr. Uswak highlighted the critical role these graduates will play in addressing the shortage of dental therapists nationwide, filling chronically vacant positions and delivering preventive and clinical care in rural and remote communities. “Moreover, USask Dental Therapy grads will also fill vacancies in Saskatchewan private practices, contributing to the oral health of those patients.”

For graduates Brittany Boyle and Jody Robinson, the program has provided an exciting opportunity to expand their careers and skills. Boyle, who has spent 13 years as a dental hygienist, saw the program as a chance to build upon her existing expertise. “I wanted to build and expand my skillset and jumped at the opportunity to take the dental therapy program,” she shared. Robinson, a dental hygienist since 2014, was drawn to the program’s potential to allow her to work with a broader range of patients. “It enables me to treat more patients, specifically allowing me to work more with kids,” she said.

As these newly minted dental therapists enter the field, they are not only fulfilling a personal ambition but also addressing a national need for accessible oral healthcare. The College of Dentistry’s Dental Therapy program, with its dual pathways and multi-campus model, is set to play a transformative role in meeting these needs, signaling a new era of community-focused dental care across Canada.