Dental Care Gap Leaves Indigenous Canadians Paying Thousands

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Dentists and program users alike criticize the NIHB for its outdated fee structures and administrative complexities, which they argue have not kept pace with modern dental procedures.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.

While eligible individuals can access the new Canadian Dental Care Plan, NIHB must be billed first. There is an expectation that NIHB will cover eligible services without gaps, but concerns remain about the program's ability to provide comprehensive care. Ultimately, the current system is seen as a burden, often requiring extensive paperwork and leading to frustration for both patients and providers.