Honouring Excellence: Dental Therapy student among Indigenous Achievement Award winners

The award ceremony will take place Thursday, March 13 at 2 pm in Marquis Hall. Among this year’s honourees is Rachel Tillie, a dedicated Dental Therapy student, who has been awarded the Indigenous Student Achievement Award for Academic Excellence.

Rachel Tillie’s path into the field of dental therapy was inspired by her early experiences with orthodontics. While she had always enjoyed visiting the dentist, it was her first orthodontist appointment that truly ignited her passion. The intricate process of dental care, from X-rays to wire adjustments, fascinated her, but it was the mentorship of her orthodontist, USask alumnus Dr. Michael Ziglo (DMD), and his skilled assistants that solidified her aspiration to enter the profession.

Determined to pursue her goal, Tillie focused on math and science throughout high school to prepare for the Dental Assisting program at Saskatchewan Polytechnic in Regina. The excitement of her acceptance into the program was met with an unexpected challenge—the COVID-19 pandemic delayed her start by a year. However, in the fall of 2021, she embarked on her journey, dedicating 10 months to earning her certification as a dental assistant.

Tillie’s dream of becoming an orthodontic assistant became a reality when she was hired by Regina Orthodontic Group. Working alongside her own childhood orthodontist and a team of dental professionals, she gained invaluable experience in the field. But her ambition didn’t stop there. When it was announced that the College of Dentistry at USask was launching the Bachelor of Science in Dental Therapy program, Tillie eagerly applied. Though she faced initial rejection, her perseverance led to success the following year, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in her career.

Receiving the Indigenous Student Achievement Award for Academic Excellence is a significant milestone for Tillie. The honour represents the culmination of years of dedication, hard work, and perseverance.

“From the countless hours of studying, the late nights, and fighting through the tears as I try to understand general anatomy, this award is a symbol to me that my efforts have paid off,” she said.

More than an academic accolade, for Tillie the award serves as motivation to continue striving for excellence and embracing lifelong learning.

Like many post-secondary students, Tillie has faced the challenge of balancing academics, personal relationships, and self-care. To manage her time effectively, she relies on structured planning, including a visual calendar to organize deadlines and commitments. Additionally, she has set a personal rule of stopping work by 8:30 pm to avoid burnout, allowing time for relaxation and connection with loved ones. By prioritizing time management and self-care, she has found a sustainable way to excel in her studies while maintaining well-being.

Tillie’s resilience and determination is deeply rooted in her Métis heritage and the experiences of her family. Her grandmother, who grew up in financial hardship in rural Saskatchewan, faced many obstacles that limited her educational opportunities. Hearing these stories instilled in Tillie a profound appreciation for the sacrifices made by previous generations. With the unwavering support of her mother and grandmother, she has embraced the responsibility of becoming the first woman in her family to earn a degree—a goal that continues to drive her forward.

For Indigenous students striving for academic success, Tillie offers heartfelt advice: “Enjoy the journey while it lasts. School is not only about the destination, but the experiences and lessons learned along the way, as well as the lifelong friendships you make.”

She encourages others to celebrate small achievements, learn from failures, and stay true to their values. Most importantly, she stresses the importance of surrounding oneself with a supportive community that nurtures growth and ambition.

As Tillie looks to the future, she envisions a fulfilling career in dental therapy, in which she hopes to inspire the next generation of dental professionals—just as her orthodontist inspired her. She is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care and fostering trust with those she serves. While she is unsure of where her career will ultimately lead, she is eager to embrace the opportunities ahead.

With her dedication, resilience, and passion for oral health, Tillie exemplifies the spirit of Indigenous Achievement Week. Her journey serves as an inspiration to others, demonstrating the power of perseverance, cultural pride, and academic excellence in shaping a bright future.