By nativepress_djwsb5 
(Native Press – Yellowknife, NT – January 23, 2026) – The federal government’s Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program only covers part of the costs of treatments like root canals, even if the person has private insurance.
When trying to get NIHB dental care, a lot of Indigenous people have to wait a long time, get approvals that aren’t complete, and deal with other paperwork problems.
Dentists say the curriculum is out of date and not in line with modern dentistry practices, which makes it harder for people to get in.
A report from the parliament called for modernizing the NIHB, but not much has changed.
Because the program is a last option payer, it can be hard for clients.
The ongoing problems make it clear that First Nations and Inuit people don’t get the same level of dental care, which is bad for their health and well-being.