At first glance, it seems that the dental industry would be one of the least affected areas of business in the United States when considering the volatility and unpredictability of U.S. trade policies.

Dentistry is a highly regulated service industry concerning the practice of both foreign dentists and products that enter patients’ mouths. Dentists may have learned a lesson several years ago when products from China began entering the dental supply chain due to their lower cost, which led to a decline in quality and patient health.

However, with the global economy so interconnected, it is challenging to determine where all the ingredients that make up dental supplies originate. This includes materials and dental equipment, which have parts made in other countries that now have high tariffs.

The Food and Drug Administration’s handling of how health care imports will be treated under various tariff scenarios will be crucial, along with the November 10th deadline for finalizing a tariff deal with China. Where should dentists look for price increases due to tariffs?

Dental labs may face greater costs for imported materials and pass those along to dentists. Chemicals involved in prescription drugs and other dental practice materials may be subject to increases.

Whether increases in the supply chain prices will affect the bottom line of practices, necessitating fee increases, remains to be seen. In the meantime, dental trade experts advise dental practices to check the country of origin of all materials and devices they use to protect against day-to-day changes in tariff policy.

Brian Hatch
Hatch Legal Group
8 North Main Street, Suite 403
Attleboro, MA 02703
HatchLegalGroup.com
brianhatch@hatchlawoffices.com
508-222-6400