Prognosis
Dentistry at ‘Virtual Standstill’ and 2021 Isn’t Safe Either
- ADA warning stands in contrast with some investor optimism
- Covid-19 may cause a 66% drop in U.S. dental spending in 2020
Photographer: Suzanne Plunkett/Bloomberg
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The American Dental Association warned that the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic’s unprecedented impact is likely to slash dental spending into 2021, a stark warning that contrasts with some optimism of a quick recovery.
More than 80% of dental practices reported that patient volume for the week of April 6 was less than 5% of normal, findings from the ADA showed. The organization estimates Covid-19 could lead to a two-thirds reduction in U.S. dental spending for the year, with 2021 expected to face a 32% reduction. That would be worse than investors have feared, according to Evercore ISI analysts.