Pediatric dentists in the U.S. are facing an uncertain future due to regulatory changes and increased costs, according to Barry Lyon, DDS.
Barry Lyon, DDS, a chief dental officer for the division of orthodontics and pediatric dentistry for Dental Care Alliance, spoke with Becker's about how certain decisions at the federal level could impact pediatric dental care.
Editor's note: This Q&A is part of a weekly series featuring Dr. Lyon focused on topics in the dental industry and DSO field. The views expressed are those of Dr. Lyon and do not necessarily reflect those of Dental Care Alliance.
This response was lightly edited for clarity and length.
Dr. Barry Lyon:
Pediatric dentists, whether in private practices or supported by a DSO, may be profoundly affected by the Trump administration’s dubious policies.
Pediatric dentists, known for their altruism and their political and social open mindedness, may be facing challenges never seen before. Tariff threats, possible Medicaid cuts, the firing of government workers and the ill-advised removal of fluoride from public water supplies may be game changers for the almost 9,200 U.S. pediatric dentists.
Imagine this scenario: tariffs increase the costs of most of the supplies and materials used in practice, and Medicaid cuts reduce benefits and lower the number of eligible children. Parts for equipment repair and maintenance become more expensive, if they are even available. Increased overhead costs and reduced patient flow could spell economic disaster.
For children, the elimination of fluoride from public water supplies and the increase in caries that results, along with reduced access to care, will be a public health crisis not just affecting oral health, but total well-being as well.
Pediatric dentistry has always been considered somewhat recession-proof and has historically survived turns in the economy. Between government programs and parents delaying their own dental healthcare issues, pediatric dentists weather economic downturns reasonably well. But today, they are facing the perfect storm of uncertainty and ill-advised government actions.