The increase in gas prices is making it challenging for dental employees to travel to work and has led some dentists to raise their staff's pay in order to keep up.
Becker's spoke with two dentists about how the rise in gas prices are affecting their practices.
Editor's note: Responses were lightly edited for clarity and length.
Michael Davis, DDS. Smiles of Santa Fe (N.M.): My staff resides within city limits. Thus, gas prices do not influence much on their commute. However, the impact of gas prices on the general cost of living cannot be understated. Employee raises went into effect.
Insurance companies have been slow or recalcitrant in raising their fees to providers. Thus, serious discussions are in play related to discontinuation of plan participation. Many local colleagues have already dropped numbers of PPO participation.
Harry Papadopoulos, DDS, MD. Richmond (Ind.) Oral Surgery Associates: My two offices are about 40 miles apart, so the increased gas cost has been a burden for my staff (and me). I pay standard mileage — which has increased recently, so that helps — but the increased gas prices have to be looked at in the context of the inflation in all goods and services that is happening.
I have given most of my staff raises, but I know it's not enough. Giving a 1.5 to 2 percent raise is inadequate when inflation is running at 9 percent. But as a practice owner, I have to keep a lid on overhead, and that has risen significantly with the increased cost of everyday supplies.
In summary, the increased gas prices are negatively affecting the staff and practice.