There will be no return to ‘business as usual’ for dentistry, poll reveals

That's according to the British Dental Association (BDA) in a poll of 2,000 practices in England.

It reveals:

While over 80% of practices expect to reopen to some level by the end of June, major constraints will remain on the service. Decontamination and social distancing policies mean longer treatment slots, with surgeries sometimes sitting fallow between patients – leaving many practices unable to maintain their financial viability in the face of fewer patients and higher costs. 

The BDA has said these grim findings underline the need for support from government. It has called for immediate clarification on key worker status for dental team members, and action on PPE supplies.

Dental practices are among the only businesses on the high street still paying business rates, with even the bookmakers receiving rates relief. Sector leaders have also called for vital support like the furlough scheme – that 80% of practices have made use of – not to be pulled away prematurely when levels of clinical activity remain so low. 

BDA Chair Mick Armstrong said: 'Anyone expecting dentistry to magically return on Monday will find only a skeleton service. Those practices reopening now face fewer patients and higher costs and will struggle to meet demand. Dentists returning to work still lack the support offered to our neighbours on the high street, and even clarity on key worker status when it comes to childcare. Ministers must change tack if dentistry is going to survive the new normal.”

BDA poll of dental practices in England. 2053 respondents (over a fifth of the estimated total of 10,000 practices). Fieldwork 1-4 June 2020.

When do you anticipate your practice will reopen for face-to-face patient care?