Like many other industries around the UK, dental practices have been severely affected by the Covid 19 pandemic. The Covid 19 pandemic is continuing to cause a range of issues within the dentist industry, and are affecting both the staff and the patients in negative ways. The uncertainty about what any day can bring is leading to high-stress levels and anxiety amongst dental professionals, which has the potential to see many of these hard workers leaving their profession as they choose to focus on their own mental health instead. Patients who have been stuck in lockdown are being forced to stay at home and deal with the pain and concerns, unsure as to when they will finally be able to seek the professional help that they need.
Some dental practices have been affected by the inability to order in stock from overseas suppliers, as flights and cargo ships have been cancelled in an attempt to decrease the spread of the disease. Using a UK company to provide dental lab supplies has helped these practices to continue offering their services to the public. The ability to remain open and provide all services is considered a victory during such unprecedented times.
The immediate impact on dental practices due to Covid is high-stress for the medical professionals. Trying to dictate which patients’ needs are more important for the restricted appointments can take a toll, as the workers feel like they are ‘Playing God’ and being forced to choose who is more important. Understandably, frustration from the patients are being expressed, leaving the workers feeling attacked, and distressed by the backlash. Just remember, that these workers are human too, and their directives have come from above. Treating essential workers with kindness and understanding is so pinnacle right now, even if your feelings are completely justified. The stress of the impact of Covid has also seen fewer graduates from the industry, which will be creating a long-term impact on the industry, in a time that we really need to be building a future for the ongoing profession.
The financial strain on dental practices are also taking their toll. Most practices are well-budgeted based on their incomings, allowing the earnings to cover the costs of the day-to-day dynamics of running a business. We all know that dental work is pricey, but there is a good reason for that. The costs involved are in place to not only cover the procedures, but the wages of all the staff, the equipment needed, the dental lab supplies, the rent, the rates, the business domain etc. Family practices in particular are taking a hit, as they do not have a corporate office protecting them. With restricted appointments, the earnings are not equal to the outgoings, and staff are working less hours with a higher workload, therefore earning less money themselves, whilst trying their best to provide the service to the same high-level that they are used to.
Prior to the pandemic, there was always a high demand for dental services. Having imposed closures of dental practices resulted in thousands of appointments across the UK being cancelled. The major problem with this, is that the demand has not changed. The need for dental services is still aggressively high, and continuing to increase on a daily basis. The reopening of dental services came as a relief, but only to a small handful of patients, as reduced capacity was enforced. Alongside limited availability, there are also many patients who have a natural reluctance in going to a dental practice, whether this is due to health reasons, not wanting to go out during a pandemic, or not deeming themselves as a priority patient.
It is impossible to predict how long it will take for the world to get back to normal, which unfortunately means that there are no immediate answers as to how and when dental practices will be able to resume as usual. The backlog of patients to get through is going to be substantial, and the pressure on all of the dental professionals is going to be ongoing. The new world we live in is quite scary and ominous, but you can do your part by being kind and patient. Urgent dental care is available regardless of Covid restrictions, so make sure that you are seeking help when you need it.