Dental benefits for First Nations and Inuit
Find information about dental benefits under the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program.
Important message
Information on this page is about NIHB Program dental benefits for eligible First Nations and Inuit. If you are seeking information on the new Canada Dental Benefit, you can find it here: Canadian Dental Care Plan
On this page
About dental benefits
The program covers a range of dental services that are described in the Dental benefits guide, including:
- diagnostic services, including:
- examinations
- radiographs (X-rays)
- preventive services, including:
- scaling
- polishing
- sealants
- fluorides
- restorative services, including:
- fillings
- crowns
- endodontic services, including root canal treatments
- periodontal services, including deep scaling
- removable prosthodontic services, including:
- partial dentures
- complete dentures
- oral surgery services, including extractions
- orthodontic services, including braces
- adjunctive services, including:
- sedation
- general anesthesia
This program provides eligible clients with coverage for benefits not available under other federal, provincial, territorial or private health insurance.
How to access dental benefits
Dental services must be provided in Canada, by a licensed dental professional, such as:
- dentist
- denturist
- independent dental hygienist
- dental specialist
Clients must make an appointment with a dental provider who will complete an examination, establish a treatment plan, and discuss the services required with the client.
The dental provider will indicate what is covered by the Non-Insured Health Benefits program. Certain services may need predetermination which is prior approval. If the provider does not know the program, the client should contact the NIHB Dental Predetermination Centre and speak to dental benefit staff to determine what is covered.
Service providers who are enrolled with the program generally send in claims to bill the program directly. This means that you should not have to pay when receiving your dental services, including any deductible or co-payment. You will need to show client identification in order for providers to bill the program directly.
Certain dental services are covered without prior approval (predetermination). For these services, the dental professional can provide the service and send the bill directly to the program.
For dental services that do require prior approval, the dental professional must contact the program before you receive services. This is done to make sure the service is covered under the program's rules.
Express Scripts Canada administers claims for providers on behalf of the program. Information can be found on the Express Scripts Canada NIHB provider and client website, including:
- forms
- newsletters
- a dental claims submission kit
- a provider billing agreement
- regional dental benefit grids