Pioneering Dental Education: Innovation at University of Saskatchewan
This article was recently published in the July 2025 issue of the Bulletin of Dental Education by the American Dental Education Association
By Duane KripLink to this article published by the American Dental Education Association
Under the visionary leadership of Dean Dr. Walter Siqueira (DDS, MBA, PhD, FICD, FCAHS), the College of Dentistry at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) is setting a new standard for dental education in Canada and beyond. In less than two years, the College has launched three groundbreaking programs that are reshaping how future dental professionals are trained—by expanding access, embracing technology, and integrating interprofessional education.
A National First: DMD/MBA Program
In Fall 2023, the College introduced Canada’s first dual Doctor of Dental Medicine and Master of Business Administration (DMD/MBA) program. This interprofessional initiative is designed to prepare students for leadership roles in both clinical and business settings—a crucial step in today’s evolving healthcare landscape.
“Many of the hurdles we face in healthcare stem from business-related challenges,” says Dr. Siqueira. “This program equips our students to lead, not only as clinicians but as strategic thinkers who understand the financial and operational aspects of dentistry.”
Students begin with a one-year MBA through USask’s Edwards School of Business before transitioning into the four-year DMD curriculum. This structure ensures graduates leave the program with both the clinical expertise and business acumen needed to navigate the complexities of modern dental practice.
Reaching the Underserved: Bachelor of Science in Dental Therapy
Also launched in Fall 2023, the Bachelor of Science in Dental Therapy (BSc(DT)) is the first university-based program of its kind in Canada. Rooted in the philosophy of “learning where we live,” the program addresses the pressing need for dental care in rural and remote communities, particularly in the province of Saskatchewan, where half of the population resides outside of the two major urban centers.
“The program supports rural and remote communities through four distributed pre-clinic and clinic sites,” explains Dr. Siqueira. “This ensures we reach students and communities where care is most needed.”
Delivered over six consecutive terms in just two years, the BSc(DT) program offers accelerated, hands-on training. Students learn to diagnose and treat common dental conditions, take and interpret x-rays, and provide restorative procedures, including fillings and pediatric stainless steel crowns. Cutting-edge haptic dental simulators at all campus locations enhance pre-clinical training.
Expanding Access and Flexibility: Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene
The most recent addition, the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene (BSc(DH)), began in Fall 2024 and represents a transformative model in dental hygiene education. Offered over three years in six academic terms, the program is tailored to accommodate students with daytime responsibilities and patients who require care outside of traditional hours.
“To our knowledge, this is the first program in North America to operate in the evening, from 5 PM to 10 PM,” notes Dr. Siqueira. “This innovative approach allows students to continue professional or personal commitments while increasing access to care for patients.”
Like the dental therapy program, the BSc(DH) integrates the latest in educational technology, including haptic simulators, to deliver high-quality, experiential learning.
A Model for the Future
These programs reflect a bold and responsive shift in dental education, focused on inclusivity, adaptability, and interprofessional excellence. By aligning training with the real-world demands of both providers and patients, the College of Dentistry at USask—under Dean Siqueira’s leadership—is paving the way for a more equitable and innovative future in oral health care.