As the winds howl across the shores of Great Bear Lake in the Northwest Territories, the Dene community of Délı̨nę finds itself ensnared in the grips of winter and an alarming dental care crisis. With the first snowfall blanketing the region, families like that of Betty Tetso, a devoted grandmother and community health representative, are grappling with a harsh reality: the nearest dental services are over 500 kilometres away in Yellowknife, and the last dentist to visit Délı̨nę came three years ago. The lack of access to essential dental care has left many residents, particularly children, vulnerable to worsening oral health conditions, raising urgent questions about equity and responsibility in healthcare provision.
The Struggles of Délı̨nę Residents
Nestled just below the Arctic Circle, Délı̨nę is a fly-in community of approximately 570 people, surrounded by one of the largest lakes in the world. For Betty Tetso, the responsibility of caring for her five-year-old grandson, Mason, includes ensuring his dental health—a task made all the more daunting by the absence of local dental care. Tetso recalls her experience two years prior with another grandson, whose severe cavities necessitated a trip to Edmonton for treatment. With Mason’s minor cavity, her urgency is palpable. “He has to be checked because the cavity’s going to get bigger,” she asserts, highlighting the desperate need for preventive care.
The dental situation in Délı̨nę reflects a broader crisis across remote First Nations and Inuit communities in the Northwest Territories (NWT). For many, the only option for treatment involves time-consuming and costly travel, often requiring approval for federal funding. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these issues, halting regular dental visits and leaving many without access to basic care.
The Broader Context of Dental Care in the North
Investigations into the dental care system in the NWT reveal a troubling pattern of neglect. Community members have shared harrowing tales of self-treatment due to the lack of professional care, including instances of individuals resorting to extracting their own teeth. Reports indicate that seven communities have not seen a dentist in over six years, while others face similar challenges. The statistics are stark: Indigenous Services Canada reported spending $11.1 million on dental travel in 2025—an increase of nearly tenfold from six years prior—highlighting the growing burden on both residents and government resources.
The lack of regular dental visits has severe implications for health. Oral diseases are linked to various serious conditions, including diabetes and heart disease, and untreated infections can lead to excruciating pain and even death. The current situation, described by dentists like Dr. Pirjo Friedman as “catastrophic,” especially affects children, whose untreated dental issues can hinder their ability to eat, speak, and learn.
A Call for Action: Addressing Dental Care Gaps
The persistence of inadequate dental care in the NWT raises critical questions about the responsibilities of the federal and territorial governments. The last funding agreement for dental care in NWT and Nunavut expired a year ago, leaving many without clear pathways to necessary services. Julie Grondin, a dentist with experience in northern communities, emphasises, “The lack of infrastructure, poorly maintained equipment, and absence of continuity of care exist within one of the wealthiest countries in the world.”
For many residents, the journey for dental care is fraught with logistical challenges. Chief Danny Gaudet of Délı̨nę describes the community as “dental orphans,” reflecting the isolation felt by those unable to access essential healthcare services. The federal government has promised improvements, yet without a renewed agreement and proper funding, residents remain in limbo, waiting for access to the care they so desperately need.
Why it Matters
The ongoing dental care crisis in the Northwest Territories is not merely a local issue; it is emblematic of a broader systemic failure to provide equitable healthcare to Indigenous communities across Canada. The stories of Betty Tetso and her grandson are echoed in countless households, where families are left to navigate a fragmented system that prioritises distance and cost over accessibility and health. As conversations around healthcare equity continue, it is imperative that both federal and territorial governments take decisive action to ensure that all Canadians, regardless of their geographical location, have access to the care they need. The health of future generations depends on it.
