(File photo/paNOW staff)

By larongeNOW staff

Education

La Ronge campus included in new dental therapy program

May 17, 2022 | 11:57 AM

A newly announced dental therapy degree program will include La Ronge 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 La Ronge, seven students per year will be able to study at the Northlands campus in town with the first start date in September 2023.

“Northlands College is both honoured and humbled to enter into this partnership. Our history of collaboration with University of Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan Polytechnic, and NITHA has proven to be fruitful and beneficial for the people of northern Saskatchewan. We look forward to the outcomes of the dental therapy program and the opportunity it will provide for people in northern Saskatchewan, and beyond,” said Northlands representatives in a news release.

Seven students per year will also be accepted into the U of S campus in Prince Albert 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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