Face mask shortage risks ‘imminent disruption’ to UK dental services

The Association reports it has been inundated by calls from member practices unclear on their options, in the wake of panic buying and supply problems. The People’s Republic of China is the world’s leading manufacturer of sanitary masks, and several suppliers have tripled their prices since January.

Based on contact with leading suppliers, the BDA reports a ‘one size fits all’ model of rationing has now already left practices unable to order more than two boxes of masks per day (ie: 100 masks) irrespective of their size.

The Association estimates a single surgery in a typical NHS practice, seeing around 28 patients per day, will be getting through 5 boxes of masks a week. Private practices which typically see fewer patients, are consuming half as many, around 2.5 boxes a week.