Dear DrBicuspid Member,
Unfortunately, it appears that COVID-19 may still have a hold on dentistry, based on new poll data released by the ADA's Health Policy Institute. The number of dental practices operating under "business as usual" conditions has declined slightly each month since July 2021. Check out our top story of the week to find out what other challenges clinicians face.
That wasn't the only business and industry news this week. A Medicare dental benefit did not survive a slimmed-down $1.75 trillion proposed spending plan released by the Biden administration. The new budget proposal leaves an estimated 20 million Medicare participants without dental coverage.
In other news, gargling with povidone-iodine mouthwash, which has been used as a preprocedural rinse to limit COVID-19 exposure at dental practices, may result in a high ingestion rate of iodine. A new study indicates that the mouthwash should be used with caution to prevent iodine toxicity.
Additionally, new survey data show that many dentists fail to offer financing options even though a significant number of patients struggle to pay for dental treatment. The most common reason for not offering financing was a belief that patients do not need alternative ways to pay for treatment.
What's the top challenge facing dental practices right now? It's staffing. Dr. Roger P. Levin predicts that staffing will be challenging for up to the next 10 years, and he offers tips on how to maintain your current team.
Until next time, have a safe and happy Halloween.
