Rise of the Dollar and the Price of Dental Supplies

Rise of the Dollar and the Price of Dental Supplies

Dentistry is a developing and advancing field in Pakistan. Treatments can be made further efficient if the material is of good quality and easily available. With the advent of minimally invasive practices, dentists and researchers are always trying to make procedures less invasive, more comfortable, and more economical for the patients. However, inflation has caused many clinical set-ups in Pakistan to suffer and undergo certain issues.  

The Dental Supplies for Clinical Setup 

A smoothly run dental clinic requires two broadly classified materials:

1. Dental instruments and appliances for oral cavity

2. Dental material for clinical practice.

Dental Instruments

Dental instruments are tools used mainly for carrying out procedures in the oral cavity. These include various dental materials for restorations, metal tools including mouth mirrors, suction tips, handpieces, dental chairs, suction units, digital x-ray units, endodontic motors and autoclaves.

Dental Material for Clinical Practice

These are medicated or non-medicated substances used inside the mouth to ensure all restoration and appliances are consistent with your needs and last sufficiently without causing any harm.

These are filling materials such as composite and amalgam, acrylic used for dentures, sealants, and antibiotic pastes used to kill the infection breeding in the mouth.

Import Of Dental Equipments 

Dental tools, much like any other products, are made all over the world. However, it is produced in large quantities in some countries for import and export purposes. While Pakistan is still a developing country, some dental material used for treatments is majorly imported.

China, Germany, and South Korea are some of the biggest markets for the production of dental equipment.

The developers' state-of-the-art designs and top-notch quality in these countries make them the best option for dental use.

Consequence of Inflation

As the dollar spikes, the import of clinical restorative materials, including composite, amalgam, and anaesthesia vials, is falling under a shortage. Those available with the suppliers are being sold at higher prices. Meanwhile, the increased prices have also led the dentists to revise their treatment costs, making it difficult for the patients to follow up with the treatments.  

Dr Rida Qamar

The author is contributing writer at Dental News Pakistan and can be reached at Ridaqamar100@gmail.com