Dental practices face financial ruin

MORE than nine in 10 dental practices face financial collapse.

The British Dental Association says only eight per cent believe they can stay in business under government corona rules which mean they are treating fewer patients while weathering the burden of extra costs.

They are also being sold fake PPE by unscrupulous suppliers, and are being hammered with exorbitant prices for genuine kit.

The NHS has bought up most available stocks, so dentists have no alternative but to use untrusted providers. BDA chair Mick Armstrong said: “No health professional should be reliant on Google to secure PPE.

“Fake masks are a threat to both patients and staff. And prices for kit have hit the roof.”

Dr Kevin Silver, of North London’s Cavendish House Dental Practice, said: “It’s difficult enough sourcing surgical masks and fitting them for staff without trying to work out which ones are genuine.”

Dentists now have to pay £20-£30 for PPE which previously cost 35p-45p.

Surgeries have to be vacated for an hour after each patient, then a 20-minute deep clean. Only a third of 12,000 practices were able to open last week.