Skagit Valley College receives $1 Million Grant to enhance Dental Therapy Program

Skagit Valley College recently received a $1 million grant from Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies (MACP) to further the college’s dəxʷx̌ayəbus Dental Therapy program. 

Running from Jan. 1, 2024, to June 30, 2026, this project focuses on teacher training, student navigation, and wrap-around support to ensure student success.  

The dəxʷx̌ayəbus (pronounced Dahf-hi-ya-buus) Dental Therapy Program, a joint effort with the Swinomish Indian Tribe, successfully launched in September 2022 with prior MACP support. This grant will address lingering barriers to student success, focusing on wrap-around navigation services in crucial areas such as financial aid, tutoring, transportation, housing, and faculty training in inclusive educational practices and cultural competency. 

"As we build on the success of the initial phase of the dəxʷx̌ayəbus Dental Therapy program, this generous grant from Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies will enable us to continue to improve the program and increase support for our students," stated Dr. Cheyanne Warren, dəxʷx̌ayəbus Dental Therapy Program Director. "The project aligns with our commitment to fostering student success and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the program." 

SVC will introduce an inclusive learning community, mandatory for all program faculty. This initiative aims to ensure that every student benefits from a culturally competent and supportive learning environment.  

Administrative support funded by MACP will play a key role in overseeing program operations, ensuring sustainability, and facilitating successful student placement post-graduation.  

For more information on the grant and its implications for SVC's Dental Therapy program, please contact dəxʷx̌ayəbus Program Director Dr. Cheyanne Warren at cheyanne.warren@skagit.edu.