The Indian Health Services (IHS) yesterday awarded $7.7 million over two years to 10 tribes and tribal organizations to support the expansion of the Community Health Aide Program (CHAP), a national program designed to increase access to culturally-sensitive health care across Indian Country.

As a dentist, I have seen far too many kids and adults experiencing dental pain and struggling to find the care they need.

In Washington state alone, 37 out of our 39 counties have too few dental professionals to meet local needs. And even fewer people are getting the oral health care they need now as a result of COVID-19.

Jason Mecum always knew he wanted to pursue a career in the health care field so when dental therapy was introduced to him by his tribe, he was all in.

Since graduating, Jason has been working as the first dental therapist in a clinic for the Lower Elwha S’klallam Tribe while he waits for the new Coos Bay clinic to be completed.

Avena Finkbonner grew up visiting the clinic where her mother worked her way up from a physician assistant to the clinic’s director. Ultimately, her mother’s story became a huge part of her story. When she was 16, Avena started working as a switchboard operator and later served in medical records, scheduling, referrals and contract health services.

What can primary oral healthcare providers do to keep their communities healthy during a global pandemic? Dental therapists in Washington State tribal clinics are using several effective strategies and proving to be essential caregivers. While the effects of COVID-19 will be severe and long-lasting, the work of these dental therapists will help to mitigate the oral health consequences in their communities.

Three years ago, I made one of the best decisions of my life: I left my career as a medical assistant to become a dental therapist. I had planned on going to nursing school until Dr. Dailey, a dentist at the Swinomish Dental Clinic, convinced me to join the dental therapy program because it offered me a chance to return to Washington and serve my own community.

Fueled by a purpose to strengthen access and opportunities for necessary dental care, Tulalip tribal member Inga Weddle is combining her unique knowledge of her tribe with an innovative model for affordable dental care.

Growing up on the Colville Reservation, my friends and family only visited the dentist for emergencies. Routine dental care, exams and cleanings weren’t practiced regularly. Many of my peers needed extractions for issues that could have been prevented by routine check-ups earlier in their lives.

Adding midlevel providers will help fill service gaps worsened by the pandemic and economic downturn

Growing up on the Swinomish reservation, I never imagined that I could have a career in medicine. I tried hard in school, but I never saw dentists or doctors who looked like the people I grew up with. That all changed when our tribe brought in a dental therapist.