Comprehensive Dental Care Services at NOVA and Beyond
Your health and well-being play an important role in your life, and oral health is integral to overall health. NOVA and the surrounding community offer a variety of dental services to cater to diverse needs, from student-provided care to specialized geriatric dentistry. This article explores the dental resources available, emphasizing the commitment to patient care and the importance of oral health at every stage of life.
Dental Services at NOVA
The Restorative Dental Clinic of NOVA's Medical Education Center offers student-provided oral hygiene care to the public. This provides an affordable option for individuals seeking dental care while also giving students valuable practical experience.
It's important to note that there is no clinic on campus. However, emergency medical services, clinics, and hospitals are located nearby. In case of a need for first aid, contacting the campus police is the recommended course of action.
NOVA's Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Dental Hygiene degree program prepares students to become dental hygiene professionals with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to provide clinical, therapeutic, and educational services under the direction of a dentist. The program equips graduates to serve in a dynamic and growing health profession as valued members of a dental health team. Students learn from NOVA faculty with a broad range of qualifications and experience in the field and receive an affordable dental hygiene education.
Northern Virginia Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award the associate degree in dental hygiene. By successfully graduating from NOVA’s associate degree in dental hygiene program, graduates will be prepared for a satisfying dental hygienist career.
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NOVA Dental: A Safety Net Clinic
NOVA Dental is a safety net dental clinic that prioritizes patient care. The clinic is committed to providing the most advanced dental care in a comfortable environment for all patients, including those with special needs. They tailor each family’s care experience by altering services to accommodate individual needs.
The clinic cares about all patients’ comfort as well as their oral health, regardless of their background. The office and staff are equipped to make each patient's experience and oral health the best possible.
Comprehensive and Specialty Care
The Dental Medicine Patient Care Centers offer patients both comprehensive and specialty care within a university setting. Services are available to adults, children, adolescents, and elderly clients. They believe in NSU’s College of Dental Medicine Core Values: Honesty, Integrity and High Ethical Standards, Professionalism, Mutual Respect, Community, Diversity and Cultural Competence, Leadership, Interdisciplinary Initiatives, Service, Excellence and Quality and Communication.
Addressing Geriatric Dental Needs
At NOVA Dental, the staff realizes that every stage of life presents a unique set of dental concerns. In their effort to provide complete dental care services to their patients, they proudly accommodate geriatric patients. Dentists are experienced, gentle, and skilled in dental care for seniors.
As people age, they face oral health problems ranging from dry mouth and gum disease to sleep apnea and missing teeth. If not addressed, these concerns can compromise overall health and impact quality of life. NOVA Dental is highly equipped to treat aging adults and delivers a compassionate, personalized approach from the moment they walk in the doors.
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Geriatric dentistry is a crucial part of the health maintenance mechanism for the elderly and medically compromised individuals. On average, people above the age of 65 years are expected to suffer from one or more chronic medical conditions that require consideration before initiating any dental treatment. The best way to take care of an aging mouth is to get regular dental exams so a small problem doesn’t have the chance to snowball into a bigger one!
Payment and Financial Assistance
All procedures must be paid in full on the day of the work.
Effective January 1, 2023, the Fairfax County Health Department Dental Program is transferring to the Community Health Centers serving Fairfax County: Neighborhood Health and HealthWorks. Active dental patients will receive dental care from one of the community health centers, based on the proximity of the Community Health Center to the Health Department dental clinic.
The following is a list of dental care providers in Fairfax County and surrounding area that offer low-cost or sliding-fee dental services to low-income families.
Having health care coverage is an important step to better health and well-being. Coverage is not only important when you are sick, but it is also helpful when you don’t feel sick. If you are not qualified for Medicaid, you may be qualified for health insurance through the Marketplace. Open Enrollment dates are November 1st through December every year. There is an additional enrollment period called Special Enrollment Period.
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Additional Resources
A list of available health and mental health resources, support services, and providers available at NOVA and in the community can be found through the Office of Wellness and Mental Health.
The Lamb Center is a daytime drop‐in resource center for individuals who are experiencing homelessness in Fairfax, Virginia. The Center provides breakfast, lunch, showers, laundry service, Bible studies, employment opportunities, housing and job counseling, AA meetings, a nurse practitioner clinic, a dental clinic, and much more. Counseling is their core program and encompasses spiritual, psychological, life and employment dimensions.
County health departments often provide vaccines, STD and pregnancy tests, etc. Nova pregnancy center provides free and confidential services to those facing an unexpected pregnancy.
Maintaining Overall Wellness
Improve and maintain your health and wellness by enrolling in a fitness class, playing intramural sports, or spending time at one of NOVA's fitness facilities.
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