These changes have tangible benefits such as fewer delays, quicker relief from pain, and restored confidence for patients who might otherwise wait months for approvals. Access as Dignity In the northern and rural regions of Manitoba, access to dental care can be geographically and economically challenging. The NIHB program offers coverage for preventive, restorative, prosthodontic and endodontic services, a safety net that ensures that patients can seek care when they need it most. “This program helps by providing coverage for a variety of treatments,” says Dr. Leckie. “By having these treatments subsidized by the federal government, it enables more patients to come to the dentist.” Access is more than just logistics. It’s about dignity, the ability to smile, to eat comfortably and to participate in the community with confidence. “I’ve seen young adults come into my operatory with extensive decay,” he says. “After treatments, there’s a noticeable boost in their self-esteem.” One patient stays with Dr. Leckie vividly. A four-yearold boy who wanted nothing to do with the dental chair. “With a little coaxing and nurturing, we got him into the chair,” he recalls. “We spread his treatment over a couple of months so he wouldn’t be overwhelmed.” When the boy returned later on with his younger brother, things had changed. The once-fearful child now sat proudly beside the chair, holding his sibling’s hand. “I have a great picture of this on my wall as a constant reminder that we can make a difference,” says Dr. Leckie. Dispelling Myths Despite its evolution, misconceptions about the NIHB program still circulate among some Canadian dentists. “The biggest myth is that the NIHB is heavily burdened with paperwork, but that burden has decreased dramatically over my years of practise,” says Dr. Leckie. Many treatments that previously required preapproval (under Schedule B) have been shifted to Schedule A, where they can be performed without administrative delays. These misunderstandings have practical consequences. “There are misconceptions amongst providers about how the program works, and there are also misconceptions among patients on how it works for them,” he says. “By providing a clear understanding of how the program works and the improvements that have been made, we can make it more efficient and convince more dentists to join.” Dr. Leckie draws parallels between the NIHB program and the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP). Although the eligibility criteria differ, both programs share a unifying philosophy of reducing inequities in access to oral health care. “The more participation we can get in NIHB, the greater care we can provide to the underserved,” he says. Equity in oral health cannot be achieved solely through policy. It requires participation from practitioners, dentists that step forward and serve patients covered under programs like NIHB. The Dentist’s Role in Equity Equity in oral health cannot be achieved solely through policy. It requires participation from practitioners, dentists that step forward and serve patients covered under programs like NIHB. For Dr. Leckie, participation is both ethical and practical. “We have to look at the fact that the First Nations and Inuit populations are one of the fastest growing in Canada right now,” he notes. “The more participation we can get, the greater the care that can be provided to the underserved.” “Dentistry, at its best, is about improving health and restoring dignity,” he says. “The NIHB program gives us the opportunity to live that value.” Understanding Indigenous Oral-Health Gaps The oral health disparities facing First Nations and Inuit communities have been well documented. These populations have higher rates of early childhood caries (ECC), untreated decay and limited preventive care compared to non-Indigenous populations. Geographic isolation compounds these challenges, as patients in remote communities often have to travel hundreds of kilometres for treatment. Programs like NIHB serve as a vital bridge, but the bridge is only as strong as the professionals who choose to cross it. Encouraging more dentists, especially younger practitioners, to see NIHB patients could help normalize inclusive care within the broader dental profession. “We need to communicate better with 18 | 2026 | Issue 1 News and Events
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