Pioneering Dental Education: Innovation at University of Saskatchewan

Under the visionary leadership of Dean Walter Siqueira, Ph.D., D.D.S., FCAHS, the University of Saskatchewan College of Dentistry (U of S COD) is setting a new standard for dental education in Canada and beyond. In less than two years, the college has launched three groundbreaking programs that are reshaping how future dental professionals are trained—by expanding access, embracing technology and integrating interprofessional education.

Dean Walter Siqueira, Ph.D., D.D.S., FCAHS

A National First: Dual D.M.D./M.B.A. Program

In fall 2023, the U of S COD introduced Canada’s first dual Doctor of Dental Medicine and Master of Business Administration (D.M.D./M.B.A.) program. This interprofessional initiative is designed to prepare students for leadership roles in both clinical and business settings—a crucial step in today’s evolving health care landscape.

“Many of the hurdles we face in health care stem from business-related challenges,” says Dean Siqueira. “This program equips our students to lead, not only as clinicians but as strategic thinkers who understand the financial and operational aspects of dentistry.”

Students begin with a one-year M.B.A. through University of Saskatchewan’s Edwards School of Business before transitioning into the four-year D.M.D. curriculum. This structure ensures graduates leave the program with both the clinical expertise and business acumen needed to navigate the complexities of modern dental practice.

Reaching the Underserved: Bachelor of Science in Dental Therapy

Also launched in fall 2023, the Bachelor of Science in Dental Therapy (B.Sc.(D.T.)) is the first university-based program of its kind in Canada. Rooted in the philosophy of “learning where we live,” the program addresses the pressing need for dental care in rural and remote communities, particularly in the province of Saskatchewan, where half of the population resides outside of the two major urban centers.

“The program supports rural and remote communities through four distributed pre-clinic and clinic sites,” explains Dean Siqueira. “This ensures we reach students and communities where care is most needed.”

Delivered over six consecutive terms in just two years, the B.Sc.(D.T.) program offers accelerated, hands-on training. Students learn to diagnose and treat common dental conditions, take and interpret radiographs and provide restorative procedures, including fillings and pediatric stainless-steel crowns. Cutting-edge, haptic dental simulators at all campus locations enhance pre-clinical training.

Expanding Access and Flexibility: Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene

The most recent addition, the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene (B.Sc.(D.H.)), began in fall 2024 and represents a transformative model in dental hygiene education. Offered over three years in six academic terms, the program is tailored to accommodate students with daytime responsibilities and patients who require care outside of traditional hours. The program operates in the evening, from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

“This innovative approach allows students to continue professional or personal commitments while increasing access to care for patients,” said Dean Siqueira.

Like the dental therapy program, the B.Sc. (D.H.) integrates the latest in educational technology, including haptic simulators, to deliver high-quality, experiential learning.

A Model for the Future

These programs reflect a bold and responsive shift in dental education, focused on inclusivity, adaptability and interprofessional excellence. By aligning training with the real-world demands of both providers and patients, the U of S COD—under Dean Siqueira’s leadership—is paving the way for a more equitable and innovative future in oral health care.

Courtesy of University of Saskatchewan College of Dentistry