Dental Health Aid Therapists (DHATs) play a key role in delivering quality dental care as middle-level providers in our communities. This week we feature Mary Lurvalria Chimiugak, a DHAT who currently serves in our Bethel dental clinic as she shares her story with us.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I am from Toksook Bay, Alaska and am happily married to Noah. We share 3 boys and a girl – George, Ryan, Ace, and Scarlett. My mother is Bernadette Friday from Toksook Bay and my dad is Henry Friday from Hooper Bay. I am the third child out of 6 siblings. I am bilingual with Yupik as my first language and English as my second language.

My hobbies include subsistence and gathering activities with my husband, taking rides around town chasing beautiful sunsets, and listening to music while I do household chores.

What events/situations led you to your current role?

I previously worked as a dental assistant at a Sub Regional Clinic (SRC) for about 5 years. Throughout those years, I worked on the side chair assisting many different dental health aide therapists (DHATs) and occasionally dentists. I was very determined to get into the DHAT program. It took me four tries each year before I got selected for sponsorship. I was selected in 2020 but COVID interfered with my opportunity to enroll in the DHAT program and things were pushed to 2021. However, I am grateful that I didn’t give up, as being patient and persevering have led me to be where I stand today.

How many years of training/education/experience did it take to get to where you are today?

I had attended two years of post-secondary education. My first year was devoted to didactic training in Anchorage and the second year was dedicated to hands-on learning in Bethel. I earned my Associates in Applied Science in Dental Health Therapy after successfully completing the program.

What challenges/successes have you experienced in your journey to arrive at where you are in your career today?

One of the greatest challenges in my journey as a DHAT was leaving my family behind to pursue my goal. I am more than blessed to have a family who supported me throughout my educational journey. I learn new things every day whether it is from a challenging or a successful experience. There is so much to learn to improve in my career and in my ability and desire to be the best provider I can be!

What is the most rewarding aspect in your role as a DHAT?

One of rewards as a certified DHAT is gaining trust from patients and all supervising dentists. The other rewarding aspect is that some Alaskan Natives would notice that I am also Alaska Native and tell me that they are proud that they are being cared for by a dental provider who is from the region and is Alaska Native.

How has your work impacted you personally and professionally?

I think my work impacted me personally and professionally by my consistent efforts to improve myself personally and expand my abilities as a dental care provider. I continue to learn ways to provide better care to my patients and be supportive to the staff daily.

Your personal and professional goals?

My personal and professional goal as a DHAT is to serve my community and the surrounding villages. I am working on cultivating good habits to help myself to develop the skills and abilities I need to improve and positively impact the overall delivery of quality healthcare wherever I serve.  My goal is to become a provider who not only cares about her patients but one who is skilled and knowledgeable in providing excellent care.

How has your work impacted YKHC, your department/colleagues and the communities (patients) you serve?

I would say being an Alaskan Native dental provider has definitely impacted YKHC and my department and the communities we serve. There are not many Alaskan Native providers because it’s just not common to see Alaskan Native providers in our region. I would like to be a role model for the young and to spark the imagination of what is possible for children and teenagers in our communities.

What would you tell students/employees who are aspiring to explore careers as a DHAT or other health professions?

Many people develop interests at an early age.  I strongly believe that the best thing is to nurture and respect children’s interests as they develop and guide them in ways that will allow them to cultivate their interests in healthy and productive ways.

 If you are inspired to be a DHAT, the DHAT Program will provide you with an immense opportunity and all the support you need to become one!  If I can do what it takes to successfully become a mid-level dental provider, so can you!