Impact

Community impact

Our collaboration with the Métis Nation of Alberta and the local community has been a tremendous success, improving access to dental care for Métis people in Alberta. This partnership has not only created a safe and welcoming health-care environment but has also provided a valuable cultural exchange for our students. By participating in community dinners and events and even receiving jigging lessons, students have enhanced their knowledge of Métis culture and traditions, fostering a relationship built on trust and respect.

Student impact

The experience offers students a unique and highly productive clinical environment. For example, one DDS student generated over $4,800 in just two full days in A4A, significantly more than the $3,000 they generated over four-and-a-half days in Kaye Clinic. This is due to a multidisciplinary approach that allows DDS and DH students to work together, providing a realistic look at a private practice environment and fostering collaboration that students identified as a crucial part of their professional development.

The program, which is run by an organizing team of nine students, with trips for an additional 14 students and three preceptors, has already proven its value; local clinics are reaching out to fourth-year A4A students for job interviews, resulting in several offers to join their practices.

Some highlights include:

• Clinical experiences

• Building a positive culture

• Interprogram friendship and collaboration

• Highlights and challenges of the week

• Affecting outlook as a professional