How Will Potential Tariffs Impact the Practice of Dentistry?
President-Elect Trump has suggested implementing tariffs on imported goods when he takes office in January. With much of the United States’ medical supplies coming from overseas, this may affect the bottom line of dental practices.
President-Elect Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on imported goods are expected to significantly affect the United States healthcare system, including the provision of dental care. With approximately 75% of US-marketed medical devices manufactured abroad, the cost of essential healthcare and dental supplies is poised to rise sharply. Among these, 69% of devices are produced exclusively outside the US, making them particularly vulnerable to increased tariffs.
The US medical equipment market, valued at $197.8 billion in 2023, is projected to grow to $305.1 billion by 2033. However, the proposed tariffs, including a 60% increase on Chinese imports, could disrupt this growth. Supply chain interruptions may lead to reduced accessibility to critical products, such as personal protective equipment (PPE), diagnostic imaging equipment, and respiratory devices, which form a significant portion of imported medical goods.
For dental practices, the rising cost of supplies such as PPE, imaging tools, and anesthetic delivery devices, may translate into higher expenses for both providers and patients. Practices relying on foreign-made materials may face difficult decisions about balancing financial pressures with maintaining the quality of care. Click here to read more.
