Shining a Spotlight: How Dental Students Celebrate Native Health & Culture
In a groundbreaking move to bridge cultural divides, leaders from Wisconsin’s sole Indian health center recently gathered at the state’s only dental school. Their mission? To ignite a dialogue around dentistry, public health, and the profound cultural significance of serving Native populations.
This past November, the “Bridge Building Session” hosted by Marquette University School of Dentistry’s Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging transformed into a dynamic forum, welcoming distinguished guests from the Gerald L. Ignace Indian Health Center, nestled in the vibrant heart of Milwaukee’s south side.
“It’s crucial for all of us to enhance the quality and quantity of our interactions with people who may not share our identities,” emphasized Teon Austin, the dental school’s director of diversity and inclusion. “With November marking Native American Heritage Month, it’s a time that can easily slip by unnoticed. Acknowledgment is just the beginning.”
As the panel moderator, Austin set a reflective tone by reading Marquette’s land and water acknowledgment, honoring the rich legacy of Native peoples who have stewarded the land for generations. Dr. Tabitha Fischer, a proud Native Alaskan and dentist at the Ignace Indian Health Center, expressed her appreciation for this recognition, highlighting its importance.
“Performative inclusivity is easily spotted,” Dr. Fischer remarked during the session. “It’s essential not just for your own growth, but for those around you. We must recognize that there were people here before us.”
Statistics reveal that nearly 50% of the patients at the health center identify as Native American or Alaska Native, while about 30% identify as Hispanic or Latino, according to Public Health Advisor Melissa Ugland. Milwaukee County boasts the largest Native population in the state, a testament to the community’s vibrant and diverse tapestry.
The health center goes beyond basic healthcare, providing an array of services including dental care, medical clinics, physical therapy, child and family services, and behavioral health. It also embraces traditional Native practices, such as smudging—a sage-burning ceremony aimed at cleansing negative energy—and hosts an annual powwow that celebrates community and culture.
“The scent of burning sage creates a space that feels recognized and respected for its traditions,” Ugland shared. “For anxious patients, the ability to smudge helps them calm their minds before a procedure. Our commitment to providing this service speaks volumes about our understanding—something many clinics simply overlook.”
Continuing the tradition of previous Bridge Building sessions, Austin aims to immerse Marquette dental students in cultural nuances that might not surface during their clinical rotations. He believes that understanding these subtleties can dismantle cultural barriers to care and enhance the doctor-patient relationship.
“We often focus solely on the clinical skills needed to become professionals, forgetting the immense value of chairside manner and building rapport,” Austin noted.
Dr. Magda Canevaro, a proud alumna of the School of Dentistry and dental director at the Ignace Indian Health Center, credits her early experiences in community clinics with deepening her understanding of diverse cultures and underserved communities. After years in private practice, she chose to return to the rewarding realm of public health dentistry.
“Marquette did an excellent job of connecting me with the community, and it’s vital that today’s students continue to receive similar opportunities,” she emphasized.
While Marquette and the Ignace Indian Health Center do not currently have a formal partnership, Austin is optimistic about nurturing further relationships with public health centers across the state to enhance educational opportunities for students.
