Dental Therapy (DT) dəxʷx̌ayəbus (pronounced as dahf-hi-ya-boos) is a Lushootseed
phrase that translates to a Place of Smiles. Lushootseed is a common language of
coastal Salish tribes, made up of many local dialects of Native Americans throughout
the Puget Sound region. The objective of the Dental Therapy (dəxʷx̌ayəbus) program
is to deliver “smiles” because smiles are strong indicators of personal confidence
as well as physical and mental health.
The Dental Therapy program (dəxʷx̌ayəbus) was created to increase access to quality,
culturally responsive providers who are oral health advocates in their communities.
The expectation is that graduates of the Dental Therapy (dəxʷx̌ayəbus) program will
be skilled clinicians who practice with confidence, and value the patient/provider
relationship. Graduates will have learned to treat all individuals with respect,
and value the importance of life-long learning.
NOTE: dəxʷx̌ayəbus Dental Therapy is a self-supporting program. Please note that per credit
tuition differs from the state tuition rate.
Upon completion, Workforce degrees and/or certificates are intended to give students
the skills needed to move directly into employment. While these degrees are not intended
to transfer to a university, students will be eligible to apply for admission to Skagit
Valley College’s Bachelor of Applied Science - Management (BASM) degree or SVC’s Environmental Conservation, BAS (BAS-EC) and, in some cases, could transfer to other schools. If you are interested
in continuing your education by entering a bachelor’s degree program, please work
closely with your Academic Advisor and Department Chair.
The information above reflects the 2024-2025 course catalog and is subject to change. Please check with your advisor for the most
up to date information.
