A Michigan dental practice has been able to retain and increase the number of patients it sees despite a national drop in dental office visits during the COVID-19 pandemic, NBC/Fox affiliate Mid-Michigan Now reported April 26.
Lindenbrook Dental Care in Flint Township, Mich., said it has seen its largest ever increase in number of patients because of the preventive measures and new technology they have added to keep patients safe.
The practice added an oral suction device that filters a patient's mouth while a dental hygienist is working on it. It has also maintained several safety measures, including masks, plexiglass and fogging the entire office with a chemical that kills bacteria and viruses.
Practice Administrator Brent Gaffney said there are still some patients hesitant to come back to the office because of COVID-19 and that it has been challenging finding new staff, but the practice still has a solid team in place to support operations.