The COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on the dentistry industry from the initial lockdown in March 2020 to present day, nearly one year later. According to our survey results, the largest impact of the pandemic on dental practices in Canada has been the drop in revenue. With dentists unable to practise during the initial lockdown, that is when revenue took the biggest hit. However, as we approach nearly a full year of living with the pandemic, it has been proven that dentistry is an essential service and practices have been able to remain open despite additional lockdowns across the country.
While many dentists believe revenue decreases will continue to be a challenge in 2021, we can at least feel secure that dental offices should remain open to continue treating patients without facing a full-on shutdown again. In fact, one-quarter of dentists feel confident their production levels will be higher this year than in 2020 and over one-half of them feel they have not had to alter the services or procedures they are offering.
Despite the numerous disadvantages caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, our survey shows dentists have found ways to adapt and succeed. Over one-third of dentists have felt prepared going into the second wave, continuing the protocols that have been learned over the last year. We encourage you to continue monitoring your PPE stock, being diligent in your IPAC protocols and making necessary financial changes to continue persevering.
As seen in the print issue of Oral Health February 2021
*In late October and early November, 2020, Bramm Research, a third-party independent research house, conducted an online survey of active, practicing non-hospital affiliated dentists and dental specialists on behalf of Oral Health. Using Oral Health’s subscription list, a total of 407 completed surveys were tabulated. With a total sample of 407, the margin of error is plus or minus 4.7 percentage points at the 95 percent confidence level. If, for example, 50% of the sample indicated that agreed with a statement, then we can be reasonably sure (19 times out of 20) of an accuracy within +/- 4.7%. This means that a total census would reveal an answer of not less than 45.3% and not more than 54.7%.
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