What sparked your interest in becoming a dental therapist?

I went in for a dental cleaning and check-up. I told the dentist I had just gotten my associate's degree and was accepted into nursing school. Dr. Dailey encouraged me to shadow a dental therapist who worked at the clinic and recommended that I consider dental therapy instead of nursing school. That night I went home and googled dental therapy and was fascinated by the concept of a mid-level provider. I called the clinic the next day, and job shadowed Daniel Kennedy, the first dental therapist from Alaska to work in Washington State. After watching him for 30 seconds, I knew dental therapy was what I wanted to do. Five months later, I packed up my entire house and took a five-day ferry to Alaska and became a student of the Alaska Dental Therapy Education Program.  

How long have you been a dental therapist? 

It will be four years in July 2023.

What degree(s) do you hold?

I am a nationally certified medical assistant and a licensed dental therapist. I have two associate degrees, one in applied science and the other in allied health. I am earning my bachelor's degree in liberal studies with an expected graduation date of summer 2023, and I am working on prerequisites to attend dental school. 

Since becoming a dental therapist, what accomplishments are you most proud of?

My biggest accomplishment has been impacting the children in our community. Kids are more confident to come into the clinic and get care. When they see me in public, they reach out and hug me. I also think dental therapists are helping to make care more accessible. For example, in my community, people no longer have to wait two to three months to get an appointment and receive care. Sometimes we can schedule them on the same day or the following day.

I am also proud of taking on a leadership role in community outreach. Educating people in our local community about oral health issues is both essential and fun for me. I love being a part of our Hippy Dippy Team, also known as the Health Promotion Disease Prevention Team. We host many programs annually that make a significant impact on our community. Over the past few years, I have become more involved in this program in a leadership capacity.

How long have you been involved with the ADTA and served on its ADTA Board of Directors? 

I joined the ADTA in 2019 and have been on the board since then. My first position was representative for Washington State, then I became the president-elect, and now I serve as president for 2023-2024. 

What made you want to serve in a leadership capacity with the ADTA?

I am passionate about my career and profession and want dental therapy to be more accepted and recognized. I am also passionate about helping people to gain access to oral health care nationwide and love knowing that we are making a difference. I wanted to become president of the ADTA because I believe in the organization and its mission. Every American deserves access to good oral health care and to enjoy their smile.

Dental therapists bridge the gap to help millions of individuals in need. Over the next year, I will continue raising awareness and building relationships that support and recognize why good oral health care is critical. So many organizations that support dental therapists want to hear our voices, and the ADTA supports that. Each individual on the ADTA Board of Directors is a dental therapist. We want more communities to experience dental therapy firsthand to see how it improves dental practices.

Dental therapy opens up access to care, alleviates trauma, and gets people in the dentist's chair before it's too late. As qualified and trained professionals, dental therapists complement a dental team by performing restorative work and dental procedures that a hygienist cannot complete and that typically pull a dentist away from more critical needs.

I work at Swinomish Dental Clinic in LaConner, Washington, and our clinic has dentists, dental therapists, hygienists, and assistants. Each person contributes their own skill set, making the clinic run more efficiently. Swinomish is proof that good things happen when dental therapists are on staff, and as president of the ADTA Board, I want to share my experience and increase this awareness.

What do you hope to accomplish with the ADTA in 2023?

I want to continue to build partnerships with national organizations, increase awareness of dental therapy nationwide, increase recognition and acceptance of the dental therapy profession, and be a voice for dental therapists. I encourage other dental therapists to share their successes and stories with the ADTA so we can highlight the positive work we are doing nationwide. I also want the ADTA to have an amazing Annual Conference in which we offer continuing education and help our dental community understand why dental therapy is so important and how it can positively impact and contribute to their work. 

What is a fun fact about you?

I used to be a Hawaiian dancer for seven years. I also play soccer two times a week, and my favorite thing to do is travel and experience new things. 

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I enjoy spending time with my three children and being creative such as art, sewing, painting, beading, etc.  

Is there anything else you would like to share with the dental community?

Becoming a dental therapist has been life-changing. It makes me so happy to see more people becoming interested in dental therapy, and I would love to answer any questions anyone has.

To reach out to Sarah Chagnon directly, click here.