Date of Award

August 2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Indigenous Health

First Advisor

Shawnda S. Schroeder

Abstract

American Indians and Alaskan Natives experience the worst oral health outcomes. However, we are transitioning to a new era where Indigenous communities are reclaiming the narrative and health. This dissertation in practice was inspired by tribal self-determination and reclamation of health found through the newly established Fort Peck Tribal Health Dental Department utilizing the Indian Self Determination and Education Assistance Act (PL 93-638). The guiding framework for the Fort Peck Tribal Health Dental Department and this dissertation is the Indigenous Primary Health Care Delivery Model which illuminates elements of community, empowerment, and self-determination with culture as center to all healthcare approaches. The intention is to recenter our approach to healthcare by going back to who we are as Indigenous people and reinforcing the importance of our values of respect, reciprocity and relationality and infusing it into the everyday practice of modern-day healthcare.The first product is a grant to the Montana Health Care Foundation to build the infrastructure for a comprehensive case management program within the dental program utilizing individuals who are qualified Licensed bachelor’s in social workers. The second is an evaluation plan to support the strategic vision and guidance of the Fort Peck Tribal Health Dental Department. The third product is a manuscript which details the implications of PL 93-638 and incorporates case examples of the experience of the first year of assumption for the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes. All three products were created with the thought of ensuring the academic work related to these health topics are directly applicable to tribal programs and immediately beneficial to express reciprocity and gratitude for the efforts being done on the ground for the benefit of community health.

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