Dental Departures

US Dental prices will skyrocket in 2022 due to dental inflation

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US Dental prices will skyrocket in 2022 due to dental inflation

  • What causes dental inflation?
  • More expensive materials - masks/Covid-19 materials
  • Surgical mask cost has at least doubled since pandemic onset,
  • More expensive labor - labor shortages, hygienists ADA
  • dental hygienist, assistant shortage in Washington State
  • Rural Wisconsin counties struggle with dental care access
  • 39.3 percent of dentists said trouble filling vacant staff positions was limiting ability to treat more patients, 
  • Trouble filling vacant staff positions: 43.9 percent
  • Not enough patients trying to make appointments: 30.2 percent
  • COVID-19 safety protocols are limiting the capacity: 29.7 percent
  • More than 80 percent of dentists find the recruitment of dental hygienists and assistants to be extremely or very challenging compared to before the pandemic
  • These challenges have led hiring dentists to raise the pay rate for positions as well. In the poll, 73.1 percent, 70.7 percent and 67.1 percent of dentists increased pay for assistants, hygienists and administrative staff, respectively.
  • What is the bottom line? Dental costs are going to go up double digits in 2022
  • *disclaimer* this is not dental advice - this is meant for information purposes only and is not intended to be dental advice or instructions for dental diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with your dentist or a qualified dental professional before starting or changing dental treatment.
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    Dental DeparturesBy Paul McTaggart