Dental patients unhappy with extra PPE charges
Dental patients are unhappy about paying more to see a dentist, as some practices have started adding extra PPE charges.
Mydentist is one of several chains and independent dental businesses charging patients more to cover the cost of providing PPE (personal protective equipment). One patient, who attended a mydentist clinic in Kent, claimed that the company was “taking advantage of vulnerable people with dental pain,” but the chain has insisted that it is not profiting from the charges. The cost of sourcing PPE has soared since the beginning of the year in line with unprecedented global demand, and many practice owners are stating that there is no choice but to pass on the fees to patients to keep afloat.
The rising cost of PPE is a concern for dental providers across the world, especially as it comes at a time when incomes have dropped. Most practices were closed for several weeks during the lockdown, and even since they reopened, patient numbers have been limited.
Mydentist is charging £25 for some services, but fees vary according to the practice and the procedure required. Some charges are as low as £5, with some patients reporting fees of around £40. NHS dental patients should not be subjected to additional charges.
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