BDA’s survey reveals that dentists believe they won’t be able to treat over a quarter of their patients

Over sixty per cent of dental practices don’t believe they will be able to treat more than one-quarter of the patients they used to see before the crisis began, according to a survey led out by the British Dental Association (BDA).

Furthermore, over thirty-six per cent of dental practices have highlighted that there will be no return to business, following England’s plan to resume the profession.

Also, only fifteen per cent of practices are in a position to carry out extensive treatment, including the capacity to offer AGPs; as a result, the BDA is calling for the government’s support, including clarification on key worker status for dental teams and PPE supplies.

Moreover, the survey also highlighted that only one-third of practices have enough PPE to provide face-to-face treatment.

Mick Armstrong, BDA chair, stated: “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.”