EDITORIAL

 

The impact of loadshedding on dental practice in South Africa

 

 

NH Wood

BChD, DipOdont(MFP), Mdent(OMP), FCD(SA), PhD

 

 

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on many industries and sectors across the world, and South Africa is no exception. The economic effects of the pandemic have been particularly severe in South Africa. In this context, the recent announcement of sustained, widespread electricity loadshedding in South Africa raises serious concerns about the impact on dentistry within the South African economy.

Loadshedding refers to the deliberate switching off of electricity supply to certain areas in order to prevent widespread blackouts and system failures. This has now become a common practice in South Africa when demand for electricity exceeds supply. While loadshedding can help to prevent widespread blackouts, it also has serious implications for businesses and industries that rely on a continuous electricity supply. Loadshedding can be particularly disruptive to the dental practice. Dental procedures often require the use of specialized equipment, such as dental chairs, lights, and radiographic equipment. These pieces of equipment are designed to work with a constant supply of electricity, and interruptions in the electricity supply can have a significant impact on the quality and safety of dental treatments, with the added potential to damaging the expensive equipment due to power surges when electricity is switched back on.

During a power outage, dental chairs may become inoperable, which can lead to patient discomfort and inconvenience. Radiographic equipment may also become non-functional, which can prevent dentists from taking necessary radiographs that are required for diagnosing and treating oral health problems. Interruptions in the electricity supply can also affect the sterilization of dental instruments, which can increase the risk of infections and cross-contamination.

The impact of loadshedding on dentistry can also have broader economic implications. For example, interruptions in the electricity supply can cause appointments to be rescheduled or cancelled, which can result in a loss of income for dentists and their staff. It can also reduce the overall demand for dental services, as patients may be less likely to seek dental care when they know that loadshedding is likely to occur.

The impact of loadshedding on dentistry can also be compounded by other economic challenges in South Africa, such as high unemployment rates and low levels of disposable income. For example, people with low incomes or who are unemployed may be more likely to put off dental appointments during times of loadshedding, which can lead to more serious oral health problems in the long run.

Despite these challenges, there are steps that dentists and the dental industry can take to mitigate the impact of loadshedding. For example, dental clinics can invest in backup power systems, such as generators, that can provide a constant supply of electricity during outages. Additionally, clinics can take steps to ensure that their equipment and instruments are properly maintained, which can reduce the risk of malfunctions and breakdowns during outages. There is also a growing interest in using technology to improve access to dental care in South Africa, even during times of loadshedding. For example, telemedicine and telehealth services can allow patients to receive dental care from the comfort of their own homes, without the need for a constant supply of electricity. There are also efforts underway to develop new and innovative approaches to dental treatments, such as the use of 3D printing and robotics, which can help to improve the accuracy and efficiency of dental treatments.

I believe that it is our responsibility to raise awareness of the impact of loadshedding on dentistry within the South African economy, and to work together to find solutions. We can do this by encouraging research into these issues and by sharing best practices and success stories. We can also work to improve access to dental care by partnering with organizations that are working to advocate for better infrastructure and policies to support the growth and development of the dental industry, as well as providing education and training to dentists and dental students on how to effectively manage the impact of loadshedding.

In conclusion, while the impact of loadshedding on dentistry in South Africa is a serious concern, it is not an insurmountable challenge. With the right tools and resources, the dental industry can continue to thrive and provide high-quality care to patients, even during difficult economic times. It is my hope that through our collective efforts, we can overcome these challenges and ensure a bright future for dentistry in South Africa.

We present you with the first issue of the 2023 SADJ. We look forward to receiving your continued inputs and support.