In late 2023 and the beginning of 2024, YKHC worked hard to recruit applicants for the Dental Health Aide Training (DHAT) program.

Congratulations to Kiera Waska who has been offered YKHC sponsorship for training at the Alaska Dental Therapy Education Program (ADTEP).  She has been working in Emmonak as a dental assistant since January 2023 and made the decision to apply for the DHAT program after working alongside multiple amazing DHAT and realizing that she wanted to be able to do more for her patients. 

She has applied for and received sponsorship from YKHC.  She has applied for and gotten accepted into the ADTEP. She is starting an online math class this month and will move to Anchorage in July to start the full time training program in person. Training will include one year in Anchorage and one year in Bethel.  Her YKHC sponsorship means that YKHC will pay her enough to cover living expenses and tuition. She will graduate with an Associate’s Degree and has agreed to work for YKHC as a DHAT for 4 years after her training is complete.

We are excited that Kiera has chosen this career path and will do all that we can to support her along the way.

-Dr. Judith Burks, DHAT Director