Access to basic health care should not depend on where you live. Yet in the Beaufort Delta region of the Northwest Territories, there is a serious shortage of dental services and practising dentists. This shortage is creating real problems for the people who live and work there.
Dental care is an important part of overall health. When someone has a sore tooth or an infection, it can affect their whole body. It can also make it difficult to eat, sleep and work. Without access to regular dental services, small problems that could be easily treated often grow into bigger health issues.
In the Beaufort Delta, many residents have to travel long distances to see a dentist. Sometimes, this means flying to Yellowknife or even farther south. These trips are very expensive — not just for individuals without insurance, but also for governments that must cover the cost of medical travel benefits. Paying for flights, hotels and other expenses puts extra pressure on public health budgets. This money could be used more wisely by improving local dental services instead.
Because of these challenges, many people delay seeking help. As a result, dental problems become worse, leading to more serious and costly medical emergencies.
This lack of care affects the whole community. Students who suffer from tooth pain often have trouble focusing in school. Workers may miss shifts or perform poorly at their jobs because of dental problems. Seniors may find it hard to eat healthy foods without proper dental care, which affects their overall health. When large numbers of people are living in pain, it weakens both the workforce and the community’s well-being.
The shortage of dental services also makes it harder to attract and keep workers in the Beaufort Delta. New employees thinking about moving to the region may be discouraged when they find out how difficult it is to access basic health services. This impacts local businesses, government programs and community development.
Everyone deserves to have access to basic dental care. It should not matter if you live in a big city or a small northern town. People in the Beaufort Delta work hard and contribute to the economy. They pay taxes like everyone else in Canada. They deserve the same standard of health care.
Governments at all levels have said they want to improve health services in the North. To make this goal a reality, all forms of government organizations must pull their resources, skills and expertise together. By working in partnership, they can help build long-term, sustainable dental services that truly meet the needs of Beaufort Delta communities.
Real action is needed. There should be full-time dentists living and working in the region, not just occasional visits from travelling professionals. Dental clinics should be open year-round so that people can get regular check-ups and quick treatment when needed.
There are several ways to help fix this problem. Offering better wages and benefits could encourage more dentists to work in the North. Student loan forgiveness programs could also help bring young dentists to remote areas. Training local residents as dental hygienists and dental assistants would make it easier to provide basic care even when a dentist is not available.
Improving dental care would make a big difference. Healthy students would do better in school. Healthy workers would be stronger and more productive. Elders would be able to stay healthy longer. Overall, the whole region would become stronger, healthier and more self-sufficient.
Dental care is not a luxury. It is a basic part of health care. If the goal is to build strong and thriving ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø communities, then investing in regular dental services is essential. The people of the Beaufort Delta are ready for change — now it’s time for leadership to step up.
-Brittney Stricker is the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Territories Federation of Labour's vice-president for the Northwest Territories.
