No vacancies in YK for non-urgent GNWT dental travel patients

The availability of medical travel accommodation in Yellowknife will be significantly reduced during the months of September and October due to what the GNWT says is, “exceptionally high seasonal demand and limited lodging capacity.”

This temporary measure allows available accommodation capacity to be prioritized for residents travelling for medical care and urgent dental treatment, stated a release.

Residents whose dental travel is arranged through Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority-managed medical travel services, including those eligible under the Non-Insured Health Benefits, Extended Health Benefits, and Métis Health Benefits programs, may be asked to wait.

And then, to rebook routine, non-urgent dental appointments to later in the fall, if they are unable to secure private or alternative accommodations.

Stated the GNWT/NTHSSA release: “We recognize that changes to planned appointments may be frustrating and inconvenient to those effected. We appreciate residents’ patience and flexibility during this period.”

Traveling dental clinics are expected to resume in several communities in the coming months, including: Aklavik; Fort Good Hope; Fort McPherson; Fort Resolution; Fort Simpson; Norman Wells; Paulatuk; Sambaa K’e; Tsiigehtchic; Tuktoyaktuk; and Ulukhaktok

What residents should do:

Those travelling for routine, non-urgent dental appointments:

• Confirm accommodation arrangements before finalizing travel plans.
• Consider private or alternative accommodations, including staying with family or friends, if available.
• If accommodations cannot be secured, be prepared to reschedule your appointment for a later date.

Residents travelling for urgent dental treatment or medical care:

• Continue to work with your medical travel or benefits administrator to plan travel and accommodation arrangements.

Residents in the Beaufort-Delta Region:

• Confirm coverage with Non-Insured Health Benefits or your private insurance provider. Eligible residents may be able to book dental appointments in Whitehorse.