WHO: Skagit Valley College (SVC), Swinomish Indian Tribal Community leaders, and students
WHAT: SVC and the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community celebrate the graduation of six students from the dəxʷx̌ayəbus SVC Dental Therapy Program. Analogous to a physician assistant, dental therapists are mid-level providers who work under the supervision of a dentist and provide routine dental care, similar to how a physician assistant works with medical doctors. This inaugural cohort, which is comprised entirely of Native American students, graduates from Washington state’s first nationally accredited dental therapy program.
WHEN: Friday, June 13 at 4 p.m.
WHERE: Swinomish Casino & Lodge, 12885 Casino Drive, Anacortes, WA 98221
WHY: The dəxʷx̌ayəbus SVC Dental Therapy Program graduation marks an important step toward addressing oral health workforce shortages throughout Washington state, particularly in historically underinvested communities. Nearly 1 in 4 (1.9 million) Washington residents experience barriers to accessing essential dental care. Prior to the SVC dental therapy program, Washington students pursuing dental therapy education had to relocate to Alaska or Minnesota to attend an accredited program. The SVC program positions Washington as a national dental therapy training hub.
INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:
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Marisa Pierce, Skagit Valley College Executive Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications
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Dr. Rachael Hogan, Swinomish Dental Clinic Director
