For many First Nations families across Saskatchewan, accessing trusted, compassionate dental care can be challenging. At Aurora Sky Dental, located in the Aurora Shopping Centre near Costco in Regina, Dr. Ravi Patel welcomes Indigenous Peoples, including First Nations communities, Indigenous populations, Métis, and Inuit patients with a commitment to cultural respect, relationship building, and equitable access.

Dr. Patel has extensive experience supporting patients who travel in from surrounding First Nations communities, including full van groups that arrive together for coordinated appointments. He enjoys getting to know community members, greeting caregivers and Elders, and ensuring every person feels comfortable, valued, and respected. Every Canadian patient deserves safe, high-quality dental care, and our clinic is proud to provide it with sincerity and without judgment.

First Nations Communities and Reserves Located In and Around Regina

Aurora Sky Dental is honoured to welcome patients from many First Nations communities surrounding Regina, including Nations in Treaty 4 territory and nearby Tribal Councils. Families regularly visit us from communities such as Piapot First Nation, Muscowpetung Saulteaux Nation, Pasqua First Nation, Standing Buffalo Dakota Nation, and members of the File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council, which includes Cowessess First Nation, Ochapowace First Nation, Kahkewistahaw First Nation, Carry the Kettle Nakoda Nation, Zagime Anishinabek (Sakimay First Nation), Peepeekisis Cree Nation, Star Blanket Cree Nation (Wa-Pii Moos-Toosis), Little Black Bear First Nation, and Muskowekwan First Nation.

Many community vans and caregivers also bring patients from the wider Saskatchewan region (White City, Emerald Park, Pilot Butte, Balgonie, Indian Head, Fort Qu’Appelle, Edenwold and even Prince Albert) reflecting the strong relationships Dr. Patel has built with First Nations Peoples who trust our clinic for reliable, culturally respectful dental care.

Why First Nations Dental Care Matters in Saskatchewan

Access to oral health services plays an essential role in total-body well-being. For many First Nations Peoples, systemic barriers, including transportation, appointment availability, funding gaps, and health care access, can impact the ability to maintain regular check-ups or receive timely dental treatment.

In Canada, oral health disparities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations remain a public health concern. Many initiatives led by local health authorities, federal programs such as Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), and the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB program) work to support dental eligibility, coverage, and prevention. At Aurora Sky Dental, we work collaboratively with community caregivers, ISC processes, and insurance administrators to help patients navigate health care services, understand NIHB coverage, and receive the treatments they deserve.

We believe that Indigenous Peoples, including First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and all Indigenous communities in Saskatchewan, should have consistent access to safe, culturally aware dentistry that supports long-term oral health care.

A Supportive Dental Clinic for First Nations Families

Our dental clinic prioritizes compassionate care. We welcome families, children, Elders, and entire groups traveling from reserve-based community health programs. Whether a community van arrives with ten people or a family travels on their own, our dental team works together to ensure visits are coordinated, timely, and comfortable.

We take pride in providing:

  • Respectful, judgment-free dental services
  • Welcoming care for First Nations People of all ages
  • Assistance with NIHB program coordination
  • Flexible timing for large groups and caregivers
  • Trauma-informed and culturally sensitive approaches
  • Clear explanations of treatment options and fees
  • Collaboration with health professionals from community clinics

Dr. Patel’s approach is simple: treat every patient with kindness and the dignity they deserve. No matter where someone comes from, or how long it’s been since their last visit, they are welcome here.

How NIHB Supports Dental Care for First Nations Patients

Many First Nations and Inuit patients qualify for the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program, administered by Indigenous Services Canada. This federal program helps cover essential dental treatment, such as:

  • Exams and dental check-ups
  • Dental therapy and dental hygienist services
  • Fillings, restorations, and emergency care
  • Root canals, extractions, and infection management
  • Dentures and repairs
  • Medically required treatments

Our administrative team is familiar with NIHB, its eligibility requirements, and its preauthorization processes. We help coordinate approvals, provide accurate contact information, and support caregivers in understanding benefits.

Aurora Sky Dental also communicates with public health, ISC offices, and community health workers when needed.

Respectful, Culturally Safe Dentistry for Indigenous Communities

We recognize that each First Nations community has its own language, history, culture, and traditions. Our approach is rooted in listening first, not assuming, not generalizing. From Cree Nations to Dakota and Nakoda communities, and every distinct Nation in the region, we focus on building genuine relationships grounded in trust, respect, and open communication. Cultural safety at Aurora Sky Dental includes:

  • Listening to patient preferences
  • Respecting autonomy
  • Reducing anxiety by explaining each step
  • Supporting caregivers who accompany youth or Elders
  • Ensuring privacy and comfort
  • Honouring lived experiences
  • Encouraging wellness and ongoing oral health care

We believe in advocacy, empowerment, and partnership.

Dental Services for First Nations Communities in and around Regina

Our clinic provides a full spectrum of dental care, dental services, and health services to support both urgent needs and long-term wellness.

General Dentistry and Preventive Care

  • Regular cleanings
  • Check-ups
  • Dental x-rays
  • Oral cancer screenings
  • Health promotion and education

Preventive dentistry supports long-term well-being, reduces future costs, and helps patients maintain strong oral health throughout their lives.

Dental Therapy and Restorative Treatment

  • Dental therapy for children and adults
  • Fillings, sealants, and protective treatments
  • Restorations, including crowns and partial repairs
  • Support from both general dentists and dental therapists

We understand that many community members previously visited dental therapists in schools or community clinics. We offer the same approachable, supportive environment.

Emergency Dental Care

We treat dental emergencies, including:

  • Pain
  • Swelling
  • Broken teeth
  • Urgent dental treatment needs

Our toll-free number is available to help families reach us quickly when urgent situations arise.

Dentures, Extractions and Oral Surgery

  • Full and partial dentures
  • Tooth extraction
  • Infection management
  • Support for complex cases through local referrals

Whether someone is 7 or 70 years old, we provide care tailored to their physical and emotional needs.

Education, Prevention & Community Engagement

Aurora Sky Dental believes that long-term health begins with education, empowerment, and access. We collaborate with caregivers, parents, and community members to strengthen oral health for the next generation.

Our initiatives may include:

  • Preventive education
  • Nutrition and sugar awareness
  • Fluoride discussions
  • Support for youth dental programming
  • Coordination with community health teams

We are also informed by research and training from the University of Saskatchewan (USask), the College of Dentistry, and public health resources in Regina and Saskatoon.

Dr. Patel stays updated on culturally safe care models through continued learning, advocacy, and community engagement.

Why First Nations Families Choose Aurora Sky Dental

We recognize that oral health and mental health are closely connected. Shame, fear, or past negative experiences can prevent people from accessing dental care. At Aurora Sky Dental, every patient is treated with patience and respect, reducing anxiety and encouraging long-term care habits. Our approach supports:

  • Warm, welcoming, and culturally respectful
  • Easily accessible in Regina’s east end
  • Experienced in serving local First Nations communities
  • Comfortable treating van groups and large families
  • Space for caregivers to accompany family members
  • Familiar with ISC, NIHB, and health care services
  • Committed to reducing disparities in oral health

Most importantly, we believe that everyone deserves the same level of care, compassion, and clinical excellence, regardless of background, distance traveled, or previous experiences.

Request an Appointment Today

Your community deserves respectful, accessible, high-quality dental care. Dr. Ravi Patel and the entire team at Aurora Sky Dental are proud to support First Nations communities across Saskatchewan, helping families achieve lifelong oral health, confidence, and wellness.

Together, we can build long-term relationships rooted in trust, respect, and better health. Book your appointment today.

Let’s Discuss Your Dental Needs
306-985-5785 Make an Inquiry