Will dental services continue to be delivered in the communities affected by the Public Health Advisory?

There is currently no dental service provider in the Beaufort Delta. Residents will need to access dental services where available. This may mean in Yellowknife or other communities with a resident dental clinic.

If not, will travel be supported to provide access in other communities?

Travel to access dental services is not covered under every benefit program.

• For Beaufort Delta residents who are eligible for the federal Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program, travel to access dental services is covered through prior approval by Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) NIHB office. Request are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and approved travel is currently directed to Yellowknife. With the increased need for travel for dental services, there are hotel and flight capacity issues. We are working to find some alternative routes to access dental services and ease the capacity issues as there are also impacts on flight and hotel availability for travel for medical purposes.
• For Beaufort Delta residents who are eligible for Métis Health Benefit or Extended Health Benefits dental treatment coverage, there are no travel benefits associated with access to services. Residents should contact the nearest dental clinic directly to make arrangements. Click here for more information.

If visiting dental services do continue, how will we know they are safe?

The GNWT is committed to reviewing infection prevention and control practices in health facilities.

The Department of Health and Social Services will continue to work closely with dental service providers to ensure dental services meet the IPAC standards for practice.

What happened?

The GNWT received a complaint around infection prevention and control practices at a health care facility in the Beaufort Delta. As this is an ongoing investigation, we cannot comment further at this time.

Should I get tested?

If you received dental services that involved the use of dental instruments at the following five health care facilities on or between the dates listed below, you should contact your local health centre for testing:

• Aklavik - Susie Husky Health and Social Services Centre from April 23-29
• Fort McPherson - Health Services from April 15-22
• Paulatuk - Sadie Sukayaaluk Ruben Health and Social Service Centre from April 2-14
• Sachs Harbour - Health Centre from March 21-24
• Ulukhaktok - Emegak Health and Social Services Centre from March 27-April 1

The likelihood of infection is very low. However, since these infections can be present without symptoms, testing is recommended as a proactive measure.

You are not considered at risk if you received non-invasive dental services, where no dental instruments were used.

What is my risk?

The risk of exposure to infections is very low, but as a precaution, the CPHO recommends that anyone who received treatment during this period get tested for Hepatitis C (HCV), Hepatitis B (HBV), and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). 

The CPHO wants to reassure the public that likelihood of infection is very low. However, since these infections can be present without symptoms, testing is recommended as a proactive measure.

Clients who received non-invasive dental services, in which no dental instruments were used are not considered at risk.

To arrange for testing, please contact your local health centre.

Can impacted individuals expect direct notification so they know to go get tested?

Since this is an active investigation, we are still gathering information. A public health advisory was issued on October 8, 2024, to notify anyone who received dental services in the affected communities during the specified time period.

How NWT Residents in Communities Access Dental Services

How do residents in communities without dental clinics usually access dental care?

Many communities in the Northwest Territories do not have a big enough population to attract a dentist to establish a clinic. Twenty-three NWT communities have historically had access to dental services through visiting dental teams funded through Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB). For residents not eligible for NIHB dental benefits, usually dental services are accessed while on personal travel outside the community.

Visiting Dental Services

Who is delivering dental services to the communities?

In the Beaufort Delta, as in the rest of the Territory, dental services are delivered by independent dental providers. The GNWT, through a funding agreement with the federal government NIHB Program, seeks interested dentists to travel to communities to deliver services to NIHB eligible residents as priority. Contracts are to cover dental providers’ travel costs.   

Who regulates those dentists and ensures they are doing their work in line with practices and standards that protect patient safety?

The dental profession is regulated under the Dental Profession Act. The Act sets out provisions for registration, discipline including complaints process, appeal, and reinstatement, Board of Inquiry and Registration Committee.

The Department of Health and Social Services Professional Licensing Office accepts applications for registration and licensing of regulated health and social services professionals, including dentists, to practice in the NWT. Employers should verify that their employees are properly licensed, but it is ultimately the professional’s responsibility to register and obtain a license to practice.

Dentists are independent service providers who work in a private business model. Dentists deliver services within their scope of practice and abide by their professional associations’ Principles of Ethics.

What services do the visiting clinics offer?

Although dental services are not an insured health service, the GNWT works in partnership with Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) to provide space in GNWT health facilities to enable dentists to deliver services to NIHB residents. These visiting clinics are available first to NIHB eligible residents, and offer a wide variety of dental and hygienist services, in accordance with the NIHB NWT Fee Grid including:

• Examinations and x-rays (Diagnostic services)
• Cleanings (Preventive services)
• Fillings (Restorative services)
• Root Canals (Endodontic services)
• Deep cleaning and Gum Treatments (Periodontal services)
• Removable Dentures (Prosthodontic services)
• Basic oral surgery such as removal of teeth (unless extremely complicated)

The dentists at these visiting clinics are also able to refer patients to other dental professionals if there are services that they don’t provide.

How do residents book appointments with visiting dental teams?

Visiting Dental Teams operate out of the local health centre, which can provide information about when the next dental services visit is scheduled. The contracted dental provider employes a community member to take appointments and support the team with interpretation.

Are there any fees for this service?

For residents eligible for dental benefits under the  Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Program, there is no charge. For residents not eligible for the NIHB program, the dental provider may direct bill other insurance plans or require these residents to pay out of pocket for the service and make a claim through their private insurance plans. 

How do residents access dental services if there are no visiting dental clinics available?

Booking Dental Services in the Nearest Community

The following outlines the process that residents with medical insurance in communities without an operating dental clinic would follow:

1. Residents in need of dental services would contact the Dental Clinic nearest to them. In many cases this means Yellowknife.
2. Residents book an appointment with that clinic, providing their insurance information (Treaty Number, Inuit N Number, Alberta Blue Cross Number, Canada Dental Care Program, or other employer insurance information).
3. For eligible NIHB residents, once the clinic receives confirmation that NIHB covers the dental procedure, the NTHSSA Medical Travel Office can book travel to the nearest clinic.  For residents eligible under other insurance plans, travel for dental services may not be covered. Check with you benefits provider.
4. If residents are experiencing immediate pain, they are asked to go to their health centre or hospital for an assessment.

More Questions about accessing dental services?

First Nations or Inuit Residents:

• Call NIHB at 1-855-618-6291
• Call the NIHB Navigator, IRC at 1-867-777-7024
• Call NIHB Navigator, Dene Nation at 1-867-873-4081 ext. 1008.
• Call the Manager, Non-Insured Health Benefits at 1-867-678-8050 ext. 49680

For Seniors and Métis Residents

• Call Alberta Blue Cross at 1-800-361-9632
• Call Health Services Administration at 1-867-678-8050 ext. 49655

For Residents with Employer Benefits:

• Call your insurance provider directly