Dentists Call for Government Aid Amid Nationwide Work Stoppage

93% of the 1,600 dentists surveyed as part of a survey on the effects of the health crisis, conducted by the National Federation of Private Sector Dental Unions, are in total work stoppage.

The remaining 7% are on partial leave and only handle emergency calls. For dentists, a "brutal" halt in activity would create a "huge financial and social imbalance" and would lead the sector into an "unbearable" situation.

Half of the respondents indicate that they are affected by the crisis. They mention the lack of income (33%), the repayment of supplier credits (21%) and bank loans (14%). Added to this are the fixed costs (rent, salaries, water, electricity and telephone bills, etc.) which have impacted 24% of them.

In total, 9 out of 10 dentists say they cannot withstand the damage related to the work stoppage beyond three months.

For the Federation, "the situation requires urgent government intervention, which should adopt measures to allow these health professionals to resume work".