Visiting the dentist hasn’t been a priority for many Virginians since the onset ofCOVID-19.

Nearly one quarter (24 percent) of Virginia dental practices are seeing lower patient volume than usual, according to the July report from the Health Policy Institute at the American Dental Association. What’s more, more than a quarter (27 percent) of Virginia practices report patient volume is down by 15 to 24 percent.

The Virginia Dental Association, in concert with the Virginia Department of Health, has launched a campaign to encourage Virginians to return to the dentist. Public service announcements began airing on TV and radio stations throughout the commonwealth in August, reminding people that their oral health impacts their overall health and the importance of regular checkups.

“If you haven’t seen a dentist lately, now is the time,” said the Virginia Secretary of Health and Human Resources, Dr. Daniel Carey. “And as of July, all Virginians in the Medicaid program can use their...