Dental Therapy

Mission

Educate dental therapists to meet the oral health care needs of Alaskan Native people living in rural communities by utilizing evidence-based methodologies.

Vision

Alaska Native people receive culturally appropriate, excellent oral health care in the communities where they live.

Overview

The Dental Therapy Educational Program is operated in partnership with the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC). This program supports health providers in the dental profession by offering academic credentials. Those credentials facilitate the transition into higher level career pathways, such as a baccalaureate degree, or degrees in dental hygiene and dentistry.

Dental Therapy students will complete the didactic (classroom) and preclinical phase in Anchorage. The clinical phase is completed in Anchorage/Bethel and includes travel to remote villages to provide oral health care. The course of study is equivalent to three academic years.

Upon graduation, Dental Health Aide Therapists(DHAT) are typically employed with a Tribal Health Organization and will provide clinical and educational services in rural communities throughout the state.

Admissions

Those interested in learning more about this training program are encouraged to contact the Program Chair, Dr. Sarah Shoffstall-Cone, at sshoffstallcone@anthc.org

Degree Outcomes

• Competently and ethically, provide the public with evidence-based dental therapy care using effective decision making within the scope of practice outlined in the CHAP CB Standards and Procedures document (see here).
• Integrate Alaska Native/American Indian knowledge, values, and culture into business practice.
• Communicate effectively with patients, peers, the public and other health professionals using verbal, non-verbal and written language.
• Competently assess, plan, implement and evaluate individual and community oral disease prevention and therapy programs.
• Apply critical thinking skills to investigate, interpret, and communicate issues involving the profession, the practice, the community, and the patient.

What is a Dental Health Aide Therapist?

A Primary oral health care professional who:

• Provides basic clinical dental treatment and preventive services
• Advocates for the needs of clients
• Refers for services beyond the scope of the dental therapist’s practice

A DHAT's Scope of Practice

• Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
• Prevention
• Cleanings
• Radiographs
• Restorative Treatment
• Pediatric Treatment
• Medically Necessary Extractions
• Community Prevention & Education