After more than a year without dental services, the community of Inuvik is expected to have a permanent dentist by late fall. Mayor Peter Clarkson said at a recent council meeting that a potential dentist plans to visit the area soon to check out the living conditions.
Residents have been concerned about the lack of dental services long before the closure of Inuvik’s only dental clinic, Northwest North Pole Dental Group, in May 2024.
Currently, if there is no dentist in the town, residents have to go to other areas, usually Yellowknife, for treatment. However, the journey to Yellowknife is not always smooth.
Earlier this year, the Northwest Territories government recommended that residents postpone non-emergency dental treatment unless a place to stay is confirmed, as Yellowknife’s accommodation resources are extremely tight.
The Northwest Territories government criticized the federal Department of Indigenous Services Canada for underfunding non-insured health benefits, which makes it difficult to attract and retain dentists in the area.
Mayor Clarkson acknowledged last week that the community’s need for dental services is urgent. Many families have to travel far away to get basic treatment, which is a huge pressure.
He said: “This news is undoubtedly good news for those residents who travel long distances at their own expense or accompany their children to treatment. It can also reduce a lot of burden for those who want to leave here for treatment.”
In addition, the influx of medical and dental personnel from Beaufort Delta and other areas outside Yellowknife has filled all hotels in Yellowknife, which has caused great inconvenience to residents in other areas.