I am a General Dentist in private practice in Hampton, Virginia.  I have been in practice for over 40 years and I strongly support the VDA request for an exemption from the proposed emergency regulations for the reasons stated in their letter.  We strictly and routinely follow Standard Precautions, have fully stocked PPE, trained and retrained our staff, posted appropriate signage, practice social distancing, require mandatory mask wear, hand disinfection, and pre-screen all who enter our facility (both staff and patients); we have a Reme Halo hydro-peroxide in-duct air purifier that kills virus, bacteria and mold spores (https://www.rgf.com/products/food/reme-halo-duct-air-purifier/), have our patients use a hydrogen peroxide/water pre-rinse prior to any dental work, use high volume evacuation anytime aerosols may be generated, routinely and repeatedly disinfect all potential contact surfaces, along with routine sterilization, staff PPE and other routine Standard/Universal Precautions consistent with ADA and VDA recommendations. 

Sincerely,

Michael L. Hutchings, DDS