March 7, 2025 – In response to ongoing trade policies, several prominent dental organizations are calling on the Trump administration to exclude dental equipment and medical devices from tariffs on goods imported from China, Mexico, and Canada. These groups argue that imposing additional tariffs on these essential items will raise costs, negatively impacting both dental care providers and patients.
On March 5, the Dental Trade Alliance (DTA), alongside the American Dental Association (ADA) and the National Association of Dental Laboratories (NADL), sent a formal letter to the White House expressing their opposition to the proposed tariffs. The letter highlights the serious concerns of these organizations regarding the economic strain that additional duties on dental products could impose.
The letter emphasizes that many dental products are already subject to tariffs on goods imported from China, and the proposed new duties on products from Mexico and Canada will exacerbate the situation. These tariffs, according to the groups, will significantly increase the cost of dental supplies and equipment. “These actions will cause economic consequences felt first by manufacturers, then by dentists, oral surgeons, emergency room physicians, and other oral health professionals, as those costs are passed down to consumers,” the letter states.
Dental leaders warn that the higher costs resulting from these tariffs will lead to financial difficulties for small dental practices, with potential long-term effects on patient care. Higher treatment costs may discourage patients from seeking timely dental care, ultimately leading to more expensive treatments in the future.
In addition to the DTA, ADA, and NADL, the American Hospital Association and Advamed, a medical technology trade group, have also voiced their concerns. Both organizations argue that the inclusion of medical devices in the trade dispute endangers patient care and overall health outcomes.
The Biden administration imposed new duties on Chinese medical products in May 2024, citing concerns about unfair trade practices related to intellectual property and technology transfer. However, healthcare groups continue to advocate for the exclusion of medical devices from these tariffs, warning that the current trade policies could harm both the healthcare industry and public health.
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