Swinomish partner on dental therapy education program

Folks at the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community and Skagit Valley College (SVC) have plenty to smile about these days.

After a decade of advocacy and planning, the tribe and SVC have formally partnered to launch the first Dental Therapy Education Program in Washington state.

The new dexwxayebus (pronounced dahf-hi-ya-buus) professional dental program will be co-located at the Swinomish Dental Clinic and SVC’s Mount Vernon campus when the fall term convenes.

Dexwxayebus is a phrase in Lushootseed – the traditional language of Coast Salish tribes – meaning “Place of Smiles.”

“The program,” accord...