How One Dentist Approaches Care In The Age Of Coronavirus

TYSONS, VA — As coronavirus restrictions in response to the pandemic ramped up in mid-March, dentists like Dr. Nicole Van closed their offices for all but emergencies. Since reopening, the dentist's office experience looks different from pre-pandemic times.

Gov. Ralph Northam had allowed non-emergency dental work and elective surgeries to resume on May 1. Erring on the side of caution, Van's office in Tysons opened one month later on June 1. Now her office is addressing urgent issues that patients may have delayed during the pandemic.

"We are more busy because a couple months of being closed [means] people are delaying treatment," said Van.

For patients cautious or nervous about receiving dental care during the pandemic, she recommends they have a phone consultation with their dentist. Her patients received electronic information about safety, which she says helped alleviate the worries of some patients. She also urges patients not to delay regular cleanings, as researchers believe there's a link between gum disease and inflammation, which could impact cardiovascular health.

Upon reopening offices, dentists like Van have implemented changes in line with dental recommendations from the American Dental Association and workplace guidance from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Van's patients face changes starting with check-ins for appointments.

Instead of checking in at the traditional reception area, patients wait in the parking lot to be escorted inside. Patients must undergo pre-screening for symptoms as well as temperature and vital checks. A few chairs are provided in the waiting area for parents or companions while a patient has their appointment.

All patient paperwork is conducted electronically, and the office has socially-distant laptop stations for pre-appointment screening, electronic forms and appointment scheduling. The reception area has plexiglass installed as a layer of protection between staff and patients.

Face masks are required for patients at visits. While masks have to be removed for dental work, staff are protected by wearing protective gear, Van says. Along with these protocols, the office has implemented enhanced cleaning of high-touch areas and has hand sanitizer stations.

When allowing non-emergency dental work to resume, Northam said the state had bolstered personal protective equipment (PPE) for hospitals. PPE has remained a challenge for Van's office as her staff in clinical areas wear enhanced PPE like face masks, face shields, and longer gowns. While Van says supplies are sufficient now, PPE vendors are rationing supplies due to demands in hospitals.

"We've always worn PPE, but they are extra precautions we've had to add," said Van. "Right now we're ok, but if the production doesn't speed up, we're definitely going to have some long-term issues."