Indigenous leaders in the North press governments to restore, improve dental care access
Indigenous leaders in the Northwest Territories are advocating for improved access to dental care, which has significantly declined in recent years. Dene National Chief George Mackenzie highlighted the adverse effects of untreated dental issues on community health and education. The lack of dental services in remote areas has forced residents to travel long distances for care, exacerbating health disparities.
- ▪Many Indigenous people in the Northwest Territories are suffering from untreated dental issues, leading to chronic pain and loss of productivity.
- ▪Seven remote communities have not had a dentist visit in six years or more, and others lack in-community dental clinics.
- ▪The federal and territorial governments are currently in discussions regarding the provision of dental services, with a new agreement recently signed.
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Open this photo in gallery:Dene National Chief George Mackenzie, shown in 2024, said children in particular face challenges in their education due to dental pain.Spencer Colby/The Canadian PressShareSave for laterPlease log in to bookmark this story.Log InCreate Free AccountLeaders of two prominent Indigenous organizations in the Northwest Territories are urging the federal and territorial governments to restore and bolster dental care, an essential service that has become far less accessible for people in remote communities in recent years.
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