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Dental Care Gap Leaves Indigenous Canadians Paying Thousands
22 Jan
Summary
- Indigenous individuals face thousands in out-of-pocket dental costs.
- The federal Non-Insured Health Benefits program is criticized as outdated.
- Administrative burdens and low fees cause dentists to opt out of the program.
The federal Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program is failing to adequately cover essential dental care for First Nations and Inuit individuals, leading to substantial out-of-pocket expenses. Janine Manning, a member of the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation, recently incurred nearly $600 in costs for a root canal after the NIHB program covered only a fraction of the nearly $2,200 procedure.
Dentists and program users alike criticize the NIHB for its outdated fee structures and administrative complexities, which they argue have not kept pace with modern dental procedures. Caroline Lidstone-Jones, CEO of the Indigenous Primary Healthcare Council, highlighted long wait times and providers opting out as major barriers. Dr. Aaron Burry of the Canadian Dental Association noted that the program's concepts stem from the 1970s and 1980s, often requiring lengthy pre-authorization processes for necessary treatments.
Despite a 2022 parliamentary report recommending improvements, the federal government has not detailed actions taken on these recommendations. Indigenous Services states the program's fees are reviewed annually, but dentists argue the reimbursement rates are significantly lower than those set by provincial dental associations. This discrepancy forces many dental providers to opt out, creating ongoing access issues for clients who cannot afford to pay upfront.
