Local dental office testing all patients for COVID-19

NEW CASTLE, Pa. — A local dental office is now testing all of its patients for COVID-19 and antibodies before their scheduled appointments.

Refresh Dental in New Castle started the practice late last month, not long after patients were allowed to return.

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Two to three days before a scheduled appointment, patients are brought into the office to be tested. They are then given the results before their dental appointment.

Dr. Andrew Matta said this change has been well received by his patients. The staff continues to wear masks and other personal protective equipment during all visits.

“Right now, it’s highly recommended and we’ve not had any pushback from that,” Matta said. “We’ve tested all of the team members here and then we’re repeat testing on a certain cadence. If there are any concerns, we can retest those team members to make sure those coming to work are safe.”

At this point, the coronavirus and antibody testing are free for patients. However, Matta said that could potentially change depending on how insurance companies decide to cover the tests in the future.

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Cox Media Group