As dentists look to cut back on costs, several organisations have announced arrangements to help the profession navigate through these unprecedented times.
The British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry has announce it is freezing all membership subscriptions for the next three months.
In a statement, it said: 'We are all facing an unprecedented period of uncertainty fuelled by the current global health crisis. The BACD recognises that there may be further challenges ahead, especially financially for both dental businesses and associates.
'In the spirit of solidarity, the Academy has taken the decision to freeze all membership subscriptions for the next three months in order to help ease the financial burden of the COVID-19 pandemic. By July, the BACD hopes to provide an updated programme of outstanding dental education and networking opportunities.
It also promised to continue providing regular updates where possible. It remains as committed as ever to supporting its members and the profession overall.
Elsewhere, dental defence organisation MDDUS slashed the subscription cost of indemnity cover for its dentist members by as much as 75%.
The MDDUS is using the flexibility of its mutual status to remove a financial burden from its members now the government has halted all but emergency dental treatment.
Dentists across the UK will no longer carry out routine care in a move that aims to help halt the spread of Covid-19.
Chris Kenny, CEO of MDDUS, said: 'This is a difficult and uncertain time for dentists. The impact of the coronavirus on the dental profession is unprecedented and will be causing worries and concerns – both practical and financial – across the board.
'From a financial perspective, MDDUS is acting decisively in the interests of our members.
'We are able to use our discretion as a mutual to make swift decisions in our members’ benefit at this testing time in a way that insurance providers cannot.”
Aubrey Craig, Head of MDDUS Dental Division explained: 'We are automatically reducing subscriptions for all General Dental Practitioner members, currently working more than one session per week, to our lowest sessional rate.
'If our dental members are redeployed to work in support of NHS staff in hospitals/local urgent treatment centres specifically on the response to Covid-19, we will apply a further reduction.'
MDDUS will adjust its dental members’ direct debits automatically from 1 April for three months in the first instance, but maintain protection for claims from remote or emergency working and from regulatory actions in relation to both personal and professional conduct.
Members of Dental Protection are also being offered subscription relief. A payment into members’ bank account would be made that is equivalent to two months’ subscription.
Dental Protection says it is finalising the process for issuing these subscription refunds to members and that they expect to start issuing these payments within the next few weeks.
Alternatively, members who choose to stop practising completely - even for a short period during this crisis – can instead opt to become a deferred member of Dental Protection. They will not pay a subscription during this time and they may return as an active member on the same terms when they resume practice at a later date. It is important to note that while membership is deferred members will not be entitled to the benefits of membership if they carry out any clinical activity including providing telephone triage for patients with urgent needs.
In a letter sent to members, Dental Protection has also confirmed it is extending its counselling service for those experiencing work-related stress. The counselling service is provided through a third-party partner and is completely confidential.
Raj Rattan, Dental Director at Dental Protection said: 'As colleagues and as a fellow health professional, we want to support members during these unprecedented times.
'Above all else we want to reassure members that Dental Protection is here for them through good times and bad. As a mutual organisation we know there has never been a more important time for us to use our discretionary powers to step in and offer the assistance members need.
'This is not going to be an easy time for any of us, but we are going to get through it.'