Orthodontic Services Arriving In The Beaufort Delta

March 10, 2010

A three-year contract has been signed for a new Orthodontic provider in the Beaufort Delta. Orthodontist Dr. Alexis David of Nanaimo, B.C. has signed a three-year contract that comes into effect April 1 until March 31, 2013. Dr. David’s first clinic will be held the first week of May 2010.“The Government of the Northwest Territories is committed to ensuring all NWT residents have access to the care they need,” said Minister of Health and Social Services Sandy Lee, “and I’m thrilled that we are able to provide these services to the Beaufort Delta.”

If orthodontist work is required, the patient is scheduled for an appointment in Inuvik by the Beaufort Delta Health and Social Services Authority for the scheduled Orthodontic Clinic at the Inuvik Hospital. Currently there are between 50 and 60 active patients.

“Maintaining good oral health is essential to overall health and well-being,” said Minister Lee. “This is an opportunity for Beaufort Delta residents in need of oral hygiene and orthodontic services to utilize these essential services in their own region.”

Funded by Health Canada, the Western Arctic Dental Clinic, based out of Inuvik, is contracted as a service provider for scheduled dental treatment for all the Beaufort Delta communities. Health Canada has worked closely with Government of the Northwest Territories Health Services officials to have this important service reinstated to the region.

This team works with Health Centre personnel in each community and the Community Corporations to schedule appointments. For example, in the seven communities surrounding Inuvik, a total of 26 dental visits consisting of 244 days was scheduled in 2008-09.

The addition of this essential service falls under the Wellness vision of A Foundation for Change, the Department of Health and Social Services’ recent Action Plan that maintains prevention through personal responsibility will ensure people are healthy and protected from disease.

For more information, contact:

Dorothy Westerman
Communications Officer
Health and Social Services
Tel: (867) 920-3373