Thirty-seven percent of dentists have seen up to a 10 percent increase in staff wages, according to recent data from the American Dental Association.
The ADA surveyed 1,051 dentists about how their costs have changed in the last year for its August Economic Outlook and Emerging Issues in Dentistry report.
Here is how costs have changed for six dental practice expenses in August:
PPE
Increased more than 20 percent: 16.9 percent
Increased 11-20 percent: 27.1 percent
Increased 1-10 percent: 30.8 percent
Stayed about the same: 19.8 percent
Supplies/materials
Increased more than 20 percent: 23.2 percent
Increased 11-20 percent: 37.9 percent
Increased 1-10 percent: 33.7 percent
Rent/mortgage
Increased 11-20 percent: 10.8 percent
Increased 1-10 percent: 30.7 percent
Stayed about the same: 52.7 percent
Staff wages
Increased more than 20 percent: 19.7 percent
Increased 11-20 percent: 32.7 percent
Increased 1-10 percent: 37 percent
Stayed about the same: 10.4 percent
Equipment
Increased more than 20 percent: 14.7 percent
Increased 11-20 percent: 31.7 percent
Increased 1-10 percent: 33.2 percent
Stayed about the same: 20 percent
Lab fees
Increased more than 20 percent: 9.2 percent
Increased 11-20 percent: 25.1 percent
Increased 1-10 percent: 47.3 percent
Stayed about the same: 17.9 percent