“We are here to help and heal”: What dental therapists say about their work

For too many Washingtonians, dental care is out of reach. A new addition to the dental team, an oral health care provider, called a dental therapist, can help.  

Dental therapists are dental professionals bringing culturally appropriate care to communities that currently aren’t getting the timely care that fights cavities, builds healthy mouths and promotes overall health. 

As their work has grown over the past two decades, first in Alaska, then Minnesota, as a pilot in Oregon, and now in six Native American tribal communities in Washington, dental therapists have seen how they touch the lives of the people they serve. Here’s what they say about their work:  

“A grandma came in very pessimistic about the program. So I saw her. I did the complete examination, cleaned her teeth and did a filling within a two-hour period. And she was so amazed, she brought her daughter in. And I did the same thing. And she was so amazed, that she brought her kids in. So I followed, roughly, five generations.” —Daniel Kennedy, Licensed Dental Therapist, Swinomish Dental Clinic, La Conner 

“Patients went from having to wait two to three months to get on our schedule to two weeks and sometimes even sooner. Dental therapy is so important to me because ALL people deserve quality dental care and access to dental treatment.”  

—Sarah Chagnon, Licensed Dental Therapist, Swinomish Dental Clinic, La Conner 

Asiah Gonzalez, Licensed Dental Therapist, Swinomish Dental Clinic, La Conner

“I’ve been working with my tribe as a dental therapist for a year now and so far it has been a heartwarming journey giving back to my people. I myself have had historical trauma regarding dental and can relate to a lot of the emotions some people come in with. Now, as a provider, I know what I can do to help comfort my patients and help prevent historical trauma. We are here to help and heal.” —Asiah Gonzalez, Licensed Dental Therapist, Swinomish Dental Clinic, La Conner 

“All people deserve quality dental care from birth through their entire life. That care should not only come when a person is in pain. That care should note create fear. Dental therapy is quality dental care provided by a familiar face.” —Arielle Cawston, Licensed Dental Therapist, Colville Reservation’s Lake Roosevelt Community Health Center and San Poil Valley Community Health Center, Inchelium 

You can help increase access to the quality care dental therapists offer. Sign the petition to tell lawmakers to authorize dental therapists to serve communities all across Washington state.