Some great data from the ADA on the current state of affairs (data as of 10/5/20) in the dental industry during the COVID-19 pandemic. KickStart Dental Marketing is proud to share this kind of important data with our visitors.
- Recovery: As of the week of October 5th, 99% of dental offices in the U.S. were open and patient volume was estimated
at 80% of pre-COVID-19 levels. Staffing was at 93% of pre-COVID-19 levels. These values have been roughly unchanged
for several weeks and suggest we have reached a “steady state” of economic activity in dental offices. - Dentists are hiring: Roughly one-third of dental practices are recruiting dental assistants and one quarter are recruiting
hygienists. DSO-affiliated practices and large groups are recruiting more heavily than non-DSO and solo practices. - Recruitment is a challenge: Recruiting dental team members is challenging. Among dentists hiring for any position (i.e.,
hygienists, assistants, administrative staff, or dentists), the majority report that it has been extremely or very challenging
compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic. Nearly 80% reported it was extremely or very challenging to recruit
hygienists, and roughly 70% said the same for assistants. - Patients are willing to get vaccinated at the dental office: Consumers are open to the idea of vaccination at the dental
office as part of their dental visit. If an annual flu shot could be incorporated into a routine dental visit, the majority of
consumers report they would be interested in that option. If a COVID-19 vaccine were available and patients could get the vaccine at their dentist’s office during their appointment, the majority would be interested.
As of the week of October 5th, 99% of dental practices in the U.S. were open. Less than half of the open practices reported “business as usual” in terms of patient volume. This has declined over the past month.
Patient volume in dental practices is at 80% of pre-COVID-19 levels as of the week of October 5th.
Staffing in dental practices was at roughly 93% of pre-COVID-19 levels the week of October 5th. This has been stable for several weeks.
79% of people are either “recently active” or “ready to go” in terms of visiting a dentist’s office.
Consumers are open to the idea of vaccination at the dental office as part of their dental visit. If an annual flu shot could be incorporated into a routine dental visit, the majority of consumers report they would be interested in that option. If a COVID-19 vaccine were available and patients could get the vaccine at their dentist’s office during their appointment, the majority would be interested.
Also, don’t forget to check out Chris’ latest blog post on how to hire dental front desk staff to enhance your dental marketing efforts!
