Now is the perfect time for Livingston County residents to apply to receive dental care at VINA. The clinic fully reopened in August 2020 and has since taken care of the post-COVID rush of patients that accumulated during the five-month long closure. VINA is continuing to schedule regular check-ups and hygiene appointments for current patients.
During this time of the year, VINA schedules less basic dental appointments, making now the ideal time for new patients to apply and have their first appointment. With the economic impact of COVID-19, many Livingston County residents now qualify for VINA but may not be aware.
To qualify for VINA, patients must be residents of Livingston County for the past six months, have no dental insurance and have an income at or below 225% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). This is an annual income of $28,980 for an individual and $39,195 for a couple. For more information about applying and requirements, visit the VINA Eligibility page.
VINA provides a multitude of services, depending on the dental needs of each patient. Services include oral cancer screenings, fillings, cleanings, x-rays, extractions, crowns, dental education and more. VINA patients only pay $25 for basic dental visits and $10 for hygiene visits.
Safety is a priority for those coming to VINA for dental work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients wait in their vehicle until their doctor and chair are ready for them. Upon entering the building, all staff, volunteers and patients answer screening questions and have their temperature taken. Patients, staff, and volunteers are required to always wear masks, aside from patients during their dental exams or procedures.
VINA has new COVID safety equipment to keep patients, staff, and volunteers safe. This includes air purifiers in the clinic and waiting room. There are also sneeze guards and hand sanitizer in the waiting room for when patients check in and out for their appointment. All staff and volunteers wear appropriate PPE when in contact with patients to minimize potential exposure and transmission. To read more about VINA’s COVID-19 procedures and safety measures, read this blog post.
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VINA Community Dental Center of Livingston County is a non-profit outreach facility that provides affordable dental care and education to more than 1,500 patients in Livingston County with limited finances. VINA improves quality of life through better oral health, promoting dental care seeking behaviors and elevating prevention awareness. “VINA” stands for Vision, Integrity, Need, and Action.
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