A group of dental organizations wrote a letter to the Trump administration warning that tariffs on dental products could lead to cost increases and limit access to supplies, according to a March 5 news release from the American Dental Association.
Here are five things to know:
1. The American Dental Association, Dental Trade Alliance and National Association of Dental Laboratories advocated for the exclusion of medical supplies and other supplies used in dentistry from additional duties and the removal of existing tariffs.
2. The Dental Trade Alliance imports dental products including raw materials, tools, instruments and equipment, many of which are now subject to the 10% tariff on goods from China and the 25% tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico.
3. The coalition claims that the tariffs on dental products will lead to increased costs for dental professionals and dental practices.
4. Because of the financial impact, dental practices may be forced to "reduce staff, delay expansion, or discontinue certain products, ultimately raising the cost of patient care."
5. Delaying routine dental care can lead to more severe oral health issues, which further increases long-term costs.