The Irish Dental Association has warned that the country is facing an unprecedented crisis that poses a “grave threat” to the nation’s dental health.
The warning comes as a new survey outlines the scale of the crisis facing dentists as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak.
The majority of dentists are concerned they will have to shut down their practices, as incomes drop by half and many staff members have been laid off.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, dentists cannot offer routine services, and many practices do not have the Personal Protective Equipment required to conduct emergency procedures.
The survey of 329 private dentists, conducted by the IDA, found that nearly 80% reported a high or very high risk to the sustainability of their practice.
Meanwhile, 93% predicted a drop in income of at least 40% in the medium to long term, with over 50% predicting an income drop of over 80%.
As Ireland approaches nearly two months of lockdown, 67% of dentists said they could only maintain the viability of their practice for a maximum of three months.
And as business nose dives, 86% of practices have laid off staff.
Mr. Fintan Hourihan, Chief Executive of the IDA, said many dentists are unable to assist people who desperately need help, due to closures and a lack of PPE.
He said: “This survey highlights that we are facing a grave threat to the nation’s oral health as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak.
“Oral health is a key part of a person’s overall health, and the effects of this outbreak will have repercussions that will last long after the virus has disappeared.
“The bleak reality is that, unless supports are put in place for dentists, dental practices will close and patients will have to travel further for dental care and hospitals will be overwhelmed with emergency dental appointments.”
