dəxʷx̌ayəbus-Dental Therapy Program
Frequently Asked Questions
Department Info: dentaltherapy@skagit.edu or 360.416.7652
A dental therapist is a primary oral healthcare professional who provides basic clinical dental treatment and prevention services under the supervision of a licensed dentist.
For more in-depth information, the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community (SITC) created videos that showcase the tribe’s origin story and journey of bringing dental therapy to the lower 48 states.
- Video 1: Swinomish Indian Tribal Community – Dental Therapy Origin Story
- Video 2: Swinomish Indian Tribal Community – Dental Therapy Implementation
Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board (NPAIHB) has created a formal e-learning course, “Optimizing Dental Teams with Dental Therapists,” which is free, self-paced, and provides 3 continuing education credits. Access course here: https://dentaltherapy-ohlh.talentlms.com/catalog/info/id:151,cms_featured_course:1
National Partnership for Dental Therapy: dentaltherapy.org
Dental therapists are delivering oral health care to thousands of people in the United States who otherwise would not be able to receive it. But not everyone has the opportunity to see a dental therapist. Co-chaired by Community Catalyst, the National Indian Health Board and the National Coalition of Dentists for Health Equity, the goal of the National Partnership for Dental Therapy is to elevate the visibility and broad, multi-sectorial support for dental therapy as an evidence-based way to improve access to oral health.
Should you need further assistance or additional information:
- For Dental Therapy Program-related questions/issues: Dentaltherapy@skagit.edu
- For Financial Aid-related questions or issues: Financial Aid: Funding Your Education
- For the Enrollment Office: Enrollment@skagit.edu or Phone: 360.416.7700 (English) or 360.416.7740 (Spanish)
Skagit Valley College is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
The program in dental therapy is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the accreditation status of “initial accreditation”. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611. The Commission’s web address is https://coda.ada.org/en.
CODA stands for Commission on Dental Accreditation. CODA was established in 1975 and is nationally recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) as the sole agency to accredit dental and dental-related education programs conducted at the post-secondary level. CODA’s mission is to serve the oral health care needs of the public through the development and administration of standards that foster continuous quality improvement of dental and dental related educational programs. The Commission on Dental Accreditation accredits dental schools and programs including advanced dental education programs and allied dental education programs in the United States. Graduation from a program that has been accredited by CODA is a requirement for dental therapy licensure in many states.
There are currently five (5) dental therapy programs in the United States: one in Alaska, one in Washington, and three in Minnesota. Two of these programs are CODA accredited.
- Ilisagvik Dental Therapy Program in Alaska (CODA accredited)
- Skagit Valley Dental Therapy Program in Washington (CODA accredited)
- University of Minnesota School of Dentistry Dental Therapy Program (CODA accredited)
- Metro State University Master of Science in Advanced Dental Therapy
- Minnesota State University Master of Science in Advanced Dental Therapy
The cost per credit for DT courses is $898/credit regardless of residency status versus standard college credit rate for general education courses based on resident and non-resident status. dəxʷx̌ayəbus’ total tuition and program-specific fee costs for all 3-years are approximately $113,000. This estimated calculation does not include books, additional dental program supplies/equipment/scrub uniform, additional institutional-specific fees, day-to-day living expenses, all other personal expenses, etc.
dəxʷx̌ayəbus strongly encourages interested candidates to reach out to Student Services or Financial Aid Office to help create a financial picture and build budget plan specifically for dəxʷx̌ayəbus Dental Therapy Program.
Please refer to pg. 3, dəxʷx̌ayəbus Dental Therapy AAS of 2024-2025 Cost of Attendance Budget Estimates PDF.
Skagit Valley College offers numerous programs and services to assist you with funding your education. We encourage you to explore the list of programs and resources on the website to help determine what funding options may be available to you.
The Dental Therapy Program costs can be covered by scholarships, grants, financial aid, and/or self-pay.
Eligible students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to determine eligibility for all federal, state, and institutional grants and student loans. Students with HB1079 or DACA status are eligible to complete the Washington Application for Student Financial Aid (WASFA), for consideration of state and institutional aid.
SVC Financial Aid is available to address any financial inquiries you may have. Reach them at Contact Financial Aid.
It is the sole responsibility of the applicant to identify and solidified a clinic site for Qtr. 9-Preceptorship.
Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board (NPAIHB) is a great starting point on how to connect with regional tribes in the PNW. Dr. Miranda Davis, DHA Program Director at mdavis@npaihb.org.
Quarter 9 (the last quarter) of dəxʷx̌ayəbus-Dental Therapy Program is a 14-week preceptorship. A Clinic Affiliation Agreement (CAA) identifies a dental clinic that will provide the proper clinical environment to train a DT student for 14 weeks in accordance to precepting requirements under the supervision of a calibrated dentist. The CAA will showcase there is adequate space, support staff, and resources at the precepting dental clinic site in preparation for a DT student to gain the necessary clinical experience. A successful candidate will have submitted a CAA, displaying they will be able to complete the required Qtr. 9-Preceptorship. Having a signed CAA does not guarantee acceptance into dəxʷx̌ayəbus-Dental Therapy Program.
During Year 2 of the program, dəxʷx̌ayəbus will conduct informational session(s) on how to setup a dental clinic in preparation for a DT student. A calibration session will also be provided for the supervising dentist prior to the start of Qtr. 9. The dental clinic identified in the CAA will be solely responsible for all associated travel costs when attending the informational and/or calibration session(s).
Having a Clinical Affiliation Agreement (CAA) and successfully completing the Qtr. 9-Preceptorship does not guarantee employment at any affiliated dental clinic site post-graduation.
dəxʷx̌ayəbus-Dental Therapy Program does not need to be informed if there is a separate and/or pre-existing agreement between a DT student and a dental clinic site or external organization. Skagit Valley College and dəxʷx̌ayəbus-Dental Therapy Program shall not be held responsible and/or liable for any agreement(s) between a DT student and a dental clinic or organization with exception to the affiliated dental clinic site identified in the signed Clinical Affiliated Agreement.