ADA joins coalition opposing widespread tariffs on dental products

Group warns Trump of increased costs, decreased availability of supplies

The ADA and other dental industry groups warned President Trump in a letter that tariffs on dental products could increase costs and limit the availability of essential supplies for dental care in the U.S. 

In the March 4 letter, the ADA, the Dental Trade Alliance and the National Association of Dental Laboratories urge the Trump administration to exclude medical devices and other critical supplies used in dentistry from additional duties and to roll back existing tariffs on these products. 

The letter highlights how the Dental Trade Alliance imports key dental products — such as raw materials, tools, instruments and equipment — that are now subject to additional tariffs. Many of these products are impacted by a 10% tariff on Chinese-origin goods, with potential 25% duties on imports from Mexico and Canada. 

President Donald Trump signed an executive order Feb. 13 issuing tariffs on goods coming into the U.S. from China, Canada and Mexico. According to a statement from the White House, the tariffs are to pressure the three countries into mitigating fentanyl and immigrants from entering the U.S. and will not cease until “the crisis is alleviated.”

The coalition warns that these tariffs will lead to increased costs for dental professionals, many of whom run small businesses. According to the letter, The financial burden could force dental practices to reduce staff, delay expansion, or discontinue certain products, ultimately raising the cost of patient care, according to the letter, which was signed by ADA Interim Executive Director Betsy Shapiro, D.D.S., J.D., Bennett Napier, executive director of the National Association of Dental Laboratories, and Greg Chavez, CEO of the Dental Trade Alliance. 

“These increased costs will negatively impact oral health in the U.S.,” the letter states. “Higher dental costs result in fewer patients seeking care. Patients, already facing rising healthcare costs for non-tariff reasons, will ultimately experience greater out-of-pocket expenses as additional duties drive up the cost of dental equipment and materials.” 

The letter further warns that delaying routine dental care due to rising costs could lead to more severe oral health issues going undiagnosed, increasing long-term health care costs. The coalition is urging policymakers to reconsider the impact of these tariffs on oral healthcare providers and their patients.