The Organized Dentistry Coalition is urging Congress to repeal the “burdensome excise tax” on medical devices.
In a Jan. 31 letter to sponsors of the the coalition wrote.

The dental manufacturing industry estimates that the medical device excise tax will increase the cost of dental care by over $160 million annually resulting in harm to our patients and an increase in the overall cost of health care.

Since good oral health is “an essential part of overall health,” the coalition said it believes that an increase in oral health care costs could also make health care less affordable and deter some patients from seeking dental care.

“The nature of dental insurance plans means that a dentist’s reimbursements may not keep pace with this tax and many offices will have to absorb most of the increased cost. Operating costs for dental practices, particularly specialties, are significant, and the ability to sustain or grow small businesses like dental practices will be further constrained under this new excise tax.

“Again, we strongly urge you to repeal the burdensome excise tax on medical devices,” the letter concluded.