President’s Statement – Inuit Oral Health Survey Highlights Need for Prevention and More Dental Care in Arctic Regions

May 16, 2011 – Ottawa, Ontario – National Inuit leader Mary Simon acknowledged the release of the Inuit Oral Health Survey today and made the following statement.

“Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami is pleased to have worked with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, the Nunatsiavut Government, and Health Canada to have the study conducted. The results show clearly the extent of the oral health crisis among Inuit, and at the same time, indicate some signs of improvement.The survey report shows that the rate of dental disease, specifically tooth decay, is roughly double the Canadian average. Nearly 70% of the 1216 Inuit who participated in the survey had an immediate need for treatment. On a more positive note, the rate of edentulism (total tooth loss) has decreased in Inuit since 1993.

Specific actions should be taken to reduce the number of cavities affecting Inuit, specifically targeting children and youth. Measures that focus on improved access to oral health care, community-based preventive measures, early detection, and quick basic treatment are needed. Beyond the medical aspects of the disease, the social determinants of oral health must be addressed, including threats from tobacco use, living in crowded conditions, and food insecurity.

We all have a responsibility as parents to ensure our children’s diets are made up of nutritious foods, and reduce the amount of candy and soda pop they are consuming. These contribute to the high rate of cavities. Parents must also tell their children that cleaning their teeth is very very important. However, our choices as parents are marked by the extremely high cost of healthy foods and hunting equipment in the Arctic, which remain major barriers to choosing foods for optimal oral health, and overall health.

The results of the Inuit Oral Health Survey come at a time when funding was just cut for the First Nations University of Canada’s National School of Dental Therapy. This was an important institution which played a role in addressing the need for oral health service providers in many of our Inuit communities.

Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami will continue to work with all of our four Inuit regions to ensure that this report leads to the improvement of the oral health of Inuit.”

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The Inuit Oral Health Survey is available online here: