Is Dental Industry Rebounding Post Pandemic?
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Rise in Preventive Care Visits
With the lifting of various Covid restrictions across many regions, dental practices are seeing a significant rise in preventive care appointments like cleanings and checkups. Patients who had delayed routine visits during the peak of the pandemic are now coming in for cleanings and examinations. According to the American Dental Association Health Policy Institute, preventive dental visits increased by 10% in the first quarter of 2022 compared to the same period in 2021. This is driving revenue growth for many practices.
Focus on Hygiene Protocols
Dental patients who may still have virus-related concerns, offices are maintaining strict hygiene protocols. High-volume evacuation systems, personal protective equipment for staff, and enhanced disinfection of surfaces between patients are helping to minimize infection risk. Practices are also screening patients for symptoms and exposure history. These measures are reassuring patients and boosting appointment volumes. Offices that demonstrate diligent adherence to infection control guidelines may have an advantage over competitors in the current environment.
New Technology Adoption
The pandemic has accelerated the adoption of new technologies in practices. Imaging systems that enable digital x-rays and scans are reducing turnaround times for procedures while minimizing contact. Virtually any type of service or consultation can now be handled remotely through teledentistry systems. Practices are using new communication platforms and patient portals to manage appointments and payments digitally. Early adopters of technology like this could see higher patient retention rates as virtual access continues to grow in importance.
Rise in Complex Procedures
As issues that were deferred during lockdowns are now being addressed, practices are reporting an uptick in revenue from more complex procedures beyond cleanings. Areas like orthodontics, implants, root canals and crowns are experiencing heightened demand. Younger patients in particular are now catching up on work delayed from their late teens and early 20s. Practices with the infrastructure, equipment and trained staff to handle specialized treatments stand to profit from servicing this backlog in complex services.
Labor and Supply Challenges
While patient volumes and revenue rebound, staffing and supply chain problems remain a drag on productivity and margins. Recruiting qualified dental hygienists and assistants with the necessary medical certifications has become very competitive due to workforce shortages across healthcare. Relying too heavily on temporary or contract staff can undermine continuity of care. Prices for materials like composites, alloys and impression goods also remain elevated, eating into profit on high-ticket cases. Practices that devise solutions for these labor and supply problems will be better positioned for sustainable growth.
New Patient Acquisition
To not only restore pre-pandemic patient counts but expand even further, practices are investing more aggressively in marketing and outreach. They employ targeted digital campaigns, search engine optimization, reputation management on sites like Google and Facebook, and affiliations with insurance networks. Some offer new patient discounts and free initial consultations to boost trial conversions. Given the current backlog, new patients coming in now might already represent a surge of future recurrent treatment revenue well into next year and beyond. Those capturing larger patient shares locally will benefit most.
Competition from Corporates
Large dental service organizations and corporate dental chains with significant marketing budgets and locations nationwide are posing new competitive pressures. Their negotiating leverage with group purchasing organizations results in lower materials costs while economies of scale help cover overhead on lean staffing models. Some have deep pocketed private equity backing. Independent practices will need robust growth strategies plus nimbleness to co-exist alongside these deep-pocketed corporate players vying for the same patient pools. Consolidation in the industry is likely to continue post-crisis.
In while the dental industry weathered pandemic-induced turbulence, recovery trends point to renewal and opportunities for growth. Demand pushing revenue above pre-Covid levels is a sign of market strengthening. Practices augmenting existing strengths with progressive technologies, business alliances and patient experiences should achieve sustainable success in this rebounding yet evolving sector. Proactivity, adaptability and solution-driven mindsets will serve dentists well to maximize upside during the current recovery cycle and beyond.
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About Author:
Priya Pandey is a dynamic and passionate editor with over three years of expertise in content editing and proofreading. Holding a bachelor's degree in biotechnology, Priya has a knack for making the content engaging. Her diverse portfolio includes editing documents across different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. Priya's meticulous attention to detail and commitment to excellence make her an invaluable asset in the world of content creation and refinement. (LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/priya-pandey-8417a8173/)
