On October 1, 2024, the International Longshoremen’s Association began a strike, closing ports on the East and Gulf Coasts and impacting international supply chains. The strike affects 36 ports, over 50% of U.S. imports and exports, and it is the first since 1977. After 3 days, it is difficult to determine how close parties are to striking a deal. Yet, most experts agree that an extended strike will impact supply chains for a broad swath of goods including medical and dental products.  

Will this affect dental supplies? 

The Association of Healthcare Value Analysis Professionals (AHVAP) is predicting delays in medical product deliveries, shortages of medications, and increased costs. The strike follows an already existing supply chain warning issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA): In early April, it warned providers and manufacturers to prepare for supply chain disruptions due to the upcoming hurricane season. The FDA maintains a pair of lists for medical device and drug shortages. The classes of products for which AHVAP and FDA are predicting disruption, such as sterilization supplies and certain pharmaceuticals, include key items used in the treatment of dental patients. It is not unreasonable to think that their predictions could potentially extend to other segments of the dental care market if the strike lasts long enough.  

The United States is a major importer of dental supplies, and in 2022, it was the top importer of dental products ($411 million), dental cements ($447 million), dental drill engines ($65.6 million), dental x-ray machines ($239 million), and bandages [inclusive of wadding, gauze, dressings, adhesive plasters, and poultices] ($1.7 billion). It is also a top importer of many other products necessary for functioning dental offices as well as many of the raw materials used in the manufacture of key products. It is important to recognize that the United Status is also a major exporter of dental supplies. As such, it is difficult to anticipate exactly how the strike will affect the dental supplies market. 

What can I do to respond to the strike? 

Given the relatively large amount of imported product and the predictions of the AHVAP and FDA, it is best to take precautions to ensure practices can continue to see patients uninterrupted by supply shortages. AHVAP recommends a series of steps health professionals can take to mitigate the strike’s impact on patient care: 

1. Inventory review 

2. Collaboration with suppliers 

3. Evaluating alternatives 

4. Resource sharing and partnerships 

By evaluating inventory and then collaborating with others to procure necessary supplies, dental practice owners can prepare for any impacts an extended strike may have on the availability of key equipment. Preparation is key.  

Georgia Dental Association is here to help. GDA Plus⁺ Supplies provides all the essentials practices need to treat patients, often at a fraction of competitors’ prices. Learn more at GDA Plus⁺ Supplies’ webpage.