TLDR
- Rising costs, trade policies and other factors can affect dental supply availability.
- Track inventory and understand your supply chain to anticipate issues.
- Diversify suppliers and explore alternative sources to reduce risk.
- Develop contingency plans, including staff protocols and financial reserves.
- Planning ahead and staying flexible helps control costs and keep your practice running smoothly.
The Impact of Trade Policies on Dental Practices
Running a dental practice today means far more than patient care. Inflation, a weaker Canadian dollar, and higher freight costs are driving up the price of everyday supplies, many of which are imported. Factor in other external pressures like tariffs and it’s clear that costs and availability can change quickly.
All of this can put pressure on the steady flow of materials your practice may rely on and, ultimately, your bottom line. But with some proactive preparation, you can stay ahead of these challenges. In this article, we’ll share practical strategies to help you manage costs, reduce disruptions, and keep your practice running smoothly — no matter what the economy throws your way.
Assess your supply chain and inventory
The first step in managing supply disruptions is understanding the path your products take to reach your practice. Many dental supplies pass through multiple countries before they arrive, creating a complex global network. Along the way, things like shipping delays, customs checks, or other logistical hiccups can affect both timing and cost.
To stay ahead:
- Map your supply chain — Understand where your supplies originate and how they move, so you can identify weak points before they cause problems.
- Monitor inventory closely — Track stock levels and usage patterns to know which items are most critical.
- Diversify suppliers — Source alternatives for essential products to reduce reliance on a single channel.
- Build buffer stock — Keep extra on hand for high-risk or frequently delayed items.
- Review regularly — Check lead times, shipping schedules, and supplier reliability so you can anticipate delays and adjust orders proactively.
Strengthen and diversify your supply network
A key step in managing supply disruptions is taking a close look at your suppliers. Consider your contract terms, equipment dependencies, and whether you’re relying too heavily on a single source.
When exploring new suppliers, ask key questions to ensure they can meet your needs and integrate smoothly. Whenever possible, add multiple or regional alternatives to reduce risk and keep your practice running if one source faces delays.
Keeping track of your inventory and how supplies are arriving can make a big difference. Regular check-ins or inventory audits can help you notice patterns and spot potential delays early.
Prepare for the unexpected and explore alternatives
Even with careful planning, supply disruptions can happen. Building contingency plans can help you stay ready for unexpected delays, price changes, or other challenges. Think through different scenarios — for example, what you’d do if a key shipment is delayed or costs suddenly rise — and prepare accordingly so your practice isn’t caught off guard.
This could mean:
- Establishing clear protocols for staff to follow when a supply delay occurs.
- Creating flexible scheduling or workflow adjustments to minimize patient impact during shortages.
- Setting aside a financial contingency to cover sudden cost increases or emergency purchases.
- Regularly reviewing past disruptions to identify patterns and improve response plans.
It also helps to explore alternative sources for your supplies. Sourcing from local suppliers or regions with stable trade relationships can reduce risk of disruption, and diversifying where products come from gives you flexibility if one supplier can’t deliver on time.
Keep your practice in perfect alignment
Reliable supplies are the backbone of an efficiently run dental practice. By building a strong network of suppliers, monitoring inventory, and planning for unexpected disruptions, can help avoid surprises and maintain seamless care for your patients. Thoughtful preparation and flexibility not only help control costs but also give you peace of mind, knowing your practice is ready for whatever comes next.
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professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. Information presented is believed to be factual and up to date, but we do not guarantee its accuracy, and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgement of the authors as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions,
information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or any of its affiliates.
This article is intended as general information only and is not to be relied upon as constituting legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. Information presented is believed to be factual and up-to-date but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or any of its affiliates.
