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Joshua Oliktoak, a resident of Ulukhaktok, found himself confronted with alarming news about dental care his family had received months earlier. In a remote hamlet along the Arctic Ocean, Oliktoak received a distressing call from a public health official regarding potential health risks linked to a dental clinic that had visited his community. This incident reflects a broader crisis in dental healthcare access across the Northwest Territories, where residents must journey vast distances to receive basic dental services.
A Strained Dental Care System
The Northwest Territories lacks a stable dental workforce, with no dentists permanently stationed outside major urban areas. This deficiency forces Indigenous communities and other remote populations to depend on visiting dental clinics, which are often contracted by the territorial government. In the spring of 2024, Oliktoak’s family received treatment from a clinic servicing multiple communities in the Beaufort Delta. Six months later, they were informed that equipment used during their appointments might not have been properly sterilised, raising serious concerns about potential exposure to HIV and Hepatitis B and C.
“It wasn’t very nice to get a notice like that, especially when your grandkids are part of that notice too,” Oliktoak recounted, highlighting the emotional toll of the situation. The announcement, which ultimately confirmed no infections had resulted, had already taken a psychological toll on the community, fostering mistrust in health services.
Continuing Consequences and Lack of Accountability
The public advisory issued by the territorial government in October 2024 failed to identify the dental clinic involved, though it later confirmed that Western Arctic Dental, the only clinic operating in the region, was responsible. This clinic, based in Inuvik, ceased operations later that year, leaving a significant void in dental care for local populations. The absence of services has been felt acutely, with many residents deprived of essential dental care for over two years.
Despite attempts to secure a new provider, the government reported that no compliant bids were received for subsequent contracts, exacerbating the issue. The lack of timely communication regarding the investigation into the sterilisation concerns has only added to the frustrations, with an investigation still pending two years later.
A Troubling Background
Further complicating the matter is the background of Viktor Dorokhine, one of the directors of Western Arctic Dental, who faced disciplinary action in Quebec for inappropriate comments made at a dental conference. Although Dorokhine’s practice in the Northwest Territories was not curtailed by the disciplinary measures in Quebec, the timing of his expired licence raised questions about the oversight of dental professionals operating in the region.
Indigenous Services Canada, which oversees the billing for dental services provided under federal health benefits, intervened by terminating Dorokhine’s billing privileges as his practice licence lapsed. Despite these actions, there remains no definitive evidence linking him to the dental visits in question, as an investigation into the care provided is still ongoing.
The Future of Dental Care in the Northwest Territories
The recent announcement of $3 million in federal funding aims to refurbish and replace dental equipment in the Northwest Territories, with plans to restore in-community visits. However, concrete details regarding the timeline for resuming these services in the Beaufort Delta remain unclear. The current state of dental care is alarming, with residents often travelling thousands of kilometres to seek treatment while facing the risk of untreated oral health issues.
Mayor Peter Clarkson of Inuvik described the logistical challenges posed by the closure of the clinic. “Logistically, it’s been a nightmare,” he stated, emphasising the broader impact on both local residents and those in surrounding fly-in communities.
Why it Matters
The ongoing dental care crisis in the Northwest Territories is not merely a logistical issue; it represents a significant public health risk for Indigenous communities who already face numerous barriers to accessing essential services. The potential long-term consequences include untreated dental diseases, reliance on emergency care, and a deepening mistrust in health services. As efforts to restore dental care begin, it is crucial that they are accompanied by transparent communication and community engagement to rebuild trust and ensure that the needs of these vulnerable populations are met effectively.
