The onset of the pandemic brought a surge in demand for the equipment worldwide. The demand overwhelmed the supply chain, and the increase in demand coupled with the COVID-related shutdown, lack of raw supplies, and shortage of labour has caused a massive disruption in every link of the supply chain. The rippling effect has resulted in an increase in prices in nearly every industry including the dental sector. 

While some shortages are related to COVID-19, others are directly linked to global affairs and lockdown in different parts of the world. 

The scarcity started with the onset of the pandemic when PPE wasn't available, and the prices for KN95 and N95 masks skyrocketed. Even the most basic equipment, including gowns, gloves, and disposable masks, also faced scarcity. The effect of COVID-19 comes to light in two different ways. First, the increase in demand due to hoarding and stock-up resulted in an increase in the prices drastically. Secondly, COVID-19 also caused turmoil, from the closure of ports and factories to the grounding of flights and cancellation of cargo. The following situation affected the healthcare supply chain drastically. 

Now, the rising inflation is also becoming a significant factor in the increasing prices of dental treatments. Previously, the dental budget for each dentist was somewhere between 5-6 %. Meanwhile, the number is supposed to increase drastically to 8-9%. It is leading to an increase in the treatment prices for the patients making it more difficult to access dental treatments. 

The collective and traumatic experience of 2020 has made a revolutionary shift in the dental market. The working environment will only cope with the upcoming challenges if the industry remains hypervigilant and adjusts to the new normal while facing challenges efficiently. 

The supply chain shortage has caused not only damage to healthcare facilities but also to the dental sector. According to the experts, the supply chain issues will not end anytime soon. For dentists and professionals, it is crucial not to over-order anything. While it is easier said than done, doing so will help reduce the shortage of raw materials. 

Dentists have been actively trying to recoup the lost profit from the price increase since the start of the pandemic. The immediate effects of inflation will directly impact the unforeseeable future of dental practices. Making it a difficult time for dentists to evolve their strategies and put a plan to manage their inventories and financial well-being strategically. 

The author is contributing writer at Dental News Pakistan and can be reached at Ridaqamar100@gmail.com

Dental News (DN) is the largest source of all dental news in the country and is one of the oldest & most extensively read independent dental periodicals in Pakistan. Dental News (DN) is part of the Medical News Group (MNG) of publications which was established in 1968. MNG is a pioneer of medical journalism in Pakistan.

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