Healthcare employment declined by 1.4 million in April, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Over two months, dental practice employment dropped by 53 percent. In April, all but 3 percent of U.S. dental offices were closed except for emergencies, according to the American Dental Association. Nearly 9 out of 10 dental offices had laid off staff.
Most jobs could return over the next few weeks, according to the ADA.
One of the biggest challenges before fully reopening is obtaining enough personal protective equipment for staff. The ADA has asked Congress to expand the non-payroll costs allowable for the Paycheck Protection Program to include personal protective equipment costs as dental offices reopen.
Other obstacles include controlling the spread of aerosols that occur during procedures and facing higher costs needed for new safety protocols.
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