Dental care benefits for First Nations and Inuit falling behind Canadian standards, say dentists – CBC

Administrative burdens, outdated fee structures cause some dentists to opt out of NIHB

Jan 22, 2026

Janine Manning needed a root canal.

While a fairly common procedure, Manning’s dentist recommended her to a specialist because of the specific injury to her tooth.

Manning is a member of the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation in southern Ontario, and uses the federal Non-Insured Health Benefits program (NIHB) that covers things like dental care for First Nations people and Inuit.

But when it came to pay the bill, Manning was told the federal program would cover only $159 of the nearly $2,200 procedure.

Manning was able to get about $1,400 covered by her private insurance, but still had to pay nearly $600 out of pocket.

Read more: https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/nihb-dental-care-indigenous-9.7030503