At Janz Family Dental, we believe everyone should have access to affordable, high-quality oral health care. That’s why we’re proud to accept nearly all insurance plans and additional bill providers directly, so you don’t have to pay for your visit out of pocket.
In addition to standard dental insurance plans, we also accept patients under the CDCP and the NIHB dental coverage program available to people from First Nations and Inuit communities.
What is the NIHB Program?
The Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program is a national initiative for registered First Nations and recognized Inuit people. It offers medically necessary services and items that aren’t covered by provincial or territorial health benefits or private insurance.
Some of the services and items covered by NIHB include dental and vision care, prescription medications, medical supplies and equipment, mental health counseling, and medical transportation to access health care services not available in the area.
Who’s eligible for the NIHB?
The NIHB is available to all residents of Canada who also fall into one of these categories:
- First Nations people who are registered under the Indian Act
- Inuk people who are recognized by an Inuit land claim organization
- A child under the age of 18 months whose parent is a registered First Nations or recognized Inuk person
Note: If you have children over the age of 18 months, apply for their Indian status or recognition from your Inuit land claim organization to maintain their coverage.
What’s Included in the NIHB Dental Coverage?
The NIHB dental coverage includes a comprehensive range of services to maintain your oral health:
- Preventative Care: Cleaning (scaling/polishing) and fluoride
- Diagnostic Services: Regular exams and X-rays
- Restorative Work: Fillings and crowns
- Endodontics: Root canals
- Prosthodontics: Removable full and partial dentures
- Oral Surgery: Tooth extractions
- Anesthesia: Sedation and general anesthesia
- Orthodontics: Braces and other appliances (limited to children under 18 with severe functional irregularities)
What Requires Prior Approval?
Some dental services are predetermined, meaning the NIHB program must review and approve the treatment plan before the work begins. This ensures the service is covered under the program’s specific guidelines. Common services requiring prior approval include:
- Extensive restorative work (certain crowns and bridges)
- Complete or partial dentures
- Root canal treatments in specific teeth
- Orthodontic treatment for children
What NIHB Does NOT Cover
While the program is extensive, it focuses on medically necessary care. It generally does not cover:
- Cosmetic Procedures: Professional teeth whitening, veneers, or any procedure done solely for appearance
- Fixed Prosthodontics: Most permanent bridges and dental implants (including implant-related products)
- High-End Materials: If a patient chooses a more expensive material than what is functionally necessary, the difference may not be covered
Emergency Dental Care & NIHB
If you are experiencing severe pain, swelling, or have suffered a dental injury, you need immediate attention. NIHB provides coverage for emergency dental services to alleviate pain and treat infection. At Janz Family Dental, we prioritize emergency cases. If you are covered by NIHB and have a dental emergency, contact us immediately so we can provide the necessary urgent care and coordinate the billing with the program.
Why Choose Janz Family Dental?
Navigating dental insurance and finding the right provider can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. For over 40 years, Janz Family Dental has been a staple of the West Edmonton community. As a father-and-son operated clinic, we treat our patients like our own family, ensuring that every visit—from a toddler’s first check-up to complex restorative work—is handled with the utmost care and compassion.
We understand that a visit to the dentist can cause anxiety for some. That’s why we prioritize comfort-first technology and offer sedation options, such as laughing gas, to ensure a stress-free experience. Our goal is to provide high-quality NIHB dental coverage services under one roof, saving you the hassle of visiting multiple specialists.
Book Your Appointment in West Edmonton Today
If you are looking for a reliable team that understands NIHB dental coverage and prioritizes your family’s oral health, we’re here to help. Our clinic is conveniently located on Mayfield Road with free parking and offers evening and Saturday appointments to fit into your busy schedule.
Whether you need a routine cleaning, a consultation for braces, or urgent emergency care, our experienced team is ready to welcome you.
Contact Janz Family Dental today to get started. Let us help you maintain a healthy, confident smile!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I use my NIHB dental coverage at the dentist?
Simply provide your client identification number (Status Card or NNI number) when booking your appointment. Our team will handle the claims and billing directly.
Do I have to pay a deductible?
No. For covered services, there are no deductibles or co-payments required from the patient.
Can I see any dentist?
You should see a provider who is registered with the NIHB program. Janz Family Dental is a registered provider, meaning we can bill the program directly for your treatment.
What if I have other dental insurance?
NIHB is a payer of last resort. If you have private insurance through work or a spouse, that plan must be billed first. NIHB may then cover any remaining balance for eligible services.
