The BDA – Shortage of face masks is obstructing dental practice

The British Dental Association (BDA) has affirmed that due to the recent coronavirus outbreak, face masks are swiftly running out and manufacturers are restraining orders; as a result, this will obstruct dental services as dentists need to wear masks when in practice. In addition, the coronavirus has seen leading suppliers of facemasks significantly increasing their prices, and the BDA believes that many dental practices will begin to run out of face masks within the next week.

As a result of this catastrophe, the BDA is asking the Welsh Government and NHS England to introduce clauses in NHS contracts.

Mick Armstrong, BDA Chair, stated: “In recent weeks panic buying, clumsy rationing and naked profiteering have impacted dentists. Sadly, a 1 size fits all approach from suppliers is leaving many larger practices with few options. Our abiding interest is the safety of our patients, who face imminent disruption to their care. Unless we see a rapid increase in supply, dentists without face masks will have little choice but to down drills.”

Director-General of the World Health Organisation, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, stated: “The world is facing severe disruption in the market for personal protective equipment. Demand is up to one-hundred times higher than normal, and prices are up to twenty times higher. Widespread inappropriate use of PPE outside patient care exacerbates this situation. There is limited stock of PPE and we have to make sure we get it to the people who need it most, in the places that need it most.”