51 reviews

General dentist in Hollis, NH

3 Market Pl, Hollis, NH 03049

Closed today
Opens tomorrow at 7:00am

SundayClosed

Monday7:00am - 5:00pm

Tuesday7:00am - 5:00pm

Wednesday7:00am - 5:00pm

Thursday7:00am - 5:00pm

FridayClosed

SaturdayClosed

Dr. Arthur Lyford graduated cum laude with a dental education from Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland, Oregon ~ He also received a BA in Biology from Reed College ~ Dr. Lyford spent five years in cancer research in the early days of genetic engineering

Dr. Lee has graduated with two doctorate level degrees Doctor of Medical Science and a specialty certificate in Periodontology from Harvard University. He also has a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from UCLA and taught Biochemistry as a dental student

Our approach is unlike treatment in other clinics. Here you will be seen by various practitioners to reach the optimum level of oral health care. Each of our team undertakes and accomplishes their part to successfully achieve your treatment goals.

Dr. Lyford is also trained in intravenous sedation as well as oral conscious sedation (Anxiolysis or Relaxation Dentistry) and is a member of the Dental Organization of Conscious Sedation (DOCS) as well as American Dental Society of Anesthesiology (ADSA).

Though Dr. Lee is based in San Diego, California, where Dr. Lyford practices and teaches with him as well, Dr. Lee and Dr. Lyford perform more complex surgery together in the New Hampshire office 8-9 times per year. Many procedures they perform are more complex and demanding which lends itself well to working as a team. This collaboration allows for faster procedures making treatment more comfortable for patients both during and after the procedures. Treatments that Drs. Lyford and Lee implement are MIT (Minimally Invasive Tunneling) gum grafting, sinus bone grafting, immediate placement of implants after tooth extraction, full arch immediate restoration after placement of multiple implants and complex bone grafting in combination with implant placement are examples of some of the procedures they perform together.

Dental Hygiene ~ Our registered dental hygienists will perform your oral prophylaxis treatment. They are skilled in taking and updating accurate medical histories to ensure a safe dental visit. Because they work as a team careful notes and considerations are taken enabling each of our hygienists to completely continue support of your treatment. They are highly trained in oral examination techniques and practice the latest in preventive therapy including oral cancer screening at each dental hygiene visit. They areaccomplished in non-surgical periodontal therapy and they work hard to ensure that your visit is both relaxing and informative. As co-therapists with Dr. Lyford they gather diagnosticinformation and formulate a treatment plan specific to your needs.

Expanded Duty Dental Assistants ~ You will find their expertise and clinical activities to be outstanding and their clinical activities. They are Certified Dental Assistants, Radiology certified, CPR certified, and IV Sedation trained.

Laboratory Technicians Assistants ~ In many prosthodontic and cosmetic procedures dental laboratory technicians will be present in the clinical environment. Allowing them to partner during your treatment adds to better quality and keeps costs down.

Prior to dental school Dr. Lyford was in viral oncology working with both RNA and DNA viruses. After acquiring a biology degree, he spent the first five years in front of laminar flow hoods growing tissue culture with animal viruses and extracting DNA, RNA, and enzymes from these cultures. Since then he has maintained an interest in virology and maintained relationships with several colleagues now in private industry and the CDC.

Dr. Lyford has spent his dental career killing microbes, including bacteria, viruses, and phages. When he opened his dental practice in 1987 it was amid the HIV epidemic at which time the profession responded with Universal Precautions, resulting in profound changes in how we sterilized instruments, disinfected operatories, used gloves, and treated patients. AIDS was blood borne and we, as a profession, have become extremely good at protecting our patients, our staff, and ourselves from infection.

The COVID-19 pandemic is caused by a virus called SARS-Cov-2. It is one of seven strains of human coronaviruses. Four of them cause about 15% of what we know as the common cold, with mild symptoms (another virus family, Rhinoviruses, cause most of the common cold). Three coronavirus strains can cause far more serious symptoms and SARS-Cov-2 is the latest strain identified and the one in the headlines currently.

The challenge with this type of virus is its transmissibility (spread ability) by aerosol droplets. Controlling air quality and providing extremely good infection control of all surfaces is key to keeping our practice safe for patients, staff, and our families. 1:30

Dentistry has been extremely meticulous in preventing disease transmission through tools and procedures, such as, personal protective equipment (PPE), disinfecting all work surfaces between patients, treating water lines, sterilizing all dental instruments, proper use of disposable items, and utilization of protective barriers for contact surfaces of stationary equipment. During the Stop the Spread measures and mitigation procedures of the coronavirus pandemic we have developed new processes and procedures to minimize the spread of the disease, ensure safe work environment, and a safe place for our patients.

Dr. Lyford feels good about having used Universal Precautions since the mid 1980s when HIV first became a concern. It was a truly solid foundation on which to build and is second nature to us in the practice. Our current protocol was established and started on 3/17/2020 and has been revised and implemented on 4/27/2020.

Patient Attire Guidelines: We are asking patients to wear mask and gloves and bring a jacket as the air conditioning will be set quite low due to added layers of PPE staff will be wearing, so dress with that in mind

Minimizing Cross-contamination between Patients: Patients will wait in their car until the practice is ready to receive them. The patient will call us when they arrive; whereupon we will call the patient to come in when the team is ready. We will minimize the time exposure a patient spends in the practice and reduce the chance the virus can contaminate the air and surfaces of the dental facility.

Patient PPE: All patients are requested to come in with a mask and not remove it at any time (until directed by clinical staff) and disposable gloves. If you do not have mask and gloves, they will be provided upon entry.

Shift in Administrative Interactions with Patients: With todays technology all attempts will be made to deal with administrative services over the phone, email, text while ensuring continued HIPAA compliance and electronic security.

All patients will apply anti-microbial hand cleaner with >70% alcohol All patients will be required to wear a mask to prevent potential airborne exhalation contaminating the practice and passers-by. All patients will be required to wear medical gloves to prevent contact with surfaces and contaminating surfaces or potentially acquiring any contaminants. Temperature will be taken on all patients with scanning forehead thermometer. A patient with a temperature higher than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit will be asked to reappoint.

Oral rinse: An effective method of lowering risk exposure to infectious disease found in saliva would be the pre-rinse. You will be asked to rinse twice with either hydrogen peroxide and/or Chlorhexidine. Extra-oral Skin Disinfection: The highest risk area for external viral aggregation, other than the hands is the face. Dental treatment is focused in this area, we will disinfect the extra-oral area to prevent inadvertent cross-contamination between you the dental providers and environment. Agents used for this purpose are povidone-iodine, alcohol, or chlorhexidine. Water Purification: We use a self-contained central dental water system that generates pure water with both sediment filtration, softening, reverse osmosis, UV sterilization, and carbon filter technology to assure the water used for rinsing and cooling is free of microbes. We use agents to disinfect the water in thelines which might have an effect intra-orally in lowering microbial load. These water lines are checked regularly and have always checked out immaculately.

Extra-oral Skin Disinfection: The highest risk area for external viral aggregation, other than the hands is the face. Dental treatment is focused in this area, we will disinfect the extra-oral area to prevent inadvertent cross-contamination between you the dental providers and environment. Agents used for this purpose are povidone-iodine, alcohol, or chlorhexidine.

Water Purification: We use a self-contained central dental water system that generates pure water with both sediment filtration, softening, reverse osmosis, UV sterilization, and carbon filter technology to assure the water used for rinsing and cooling is free of microbes. We use agents to disinfect the water in thelines which might have an effect intra-orally in lowering microbial load. These water lines are checked regularly and have always checked out immaculately.

We have installed state of the art Medical Grade Air Purifiers manufactured by Medify in every operatory as well as the reception area. These are commonly used in hospital clinical environments. The air in the operatories will be turned over every five minutes by these filtration units. Most filtration units are effective at eliminating particles as small as 0.3 microns, these units are effective at eliminating particles as small as 0.1 microns (the virus has a diameter of 0.125-0.150 microns).

The high-efficiency H13 TRUE HEPA filter is tested to remove 99.97% of particles down to 0.1 microns. This medical-grade filter easily catches bacteria, virus aerosols, pollen, and other tiny airborne particles you cannot see.

In addition to Air Filtration described above, as aerosols are being created in the oral cavity, we can divert the aerosols away from exposure to the providers, patient, and the operatory environment. The primary challenge that faces dentistry with respect to infection control is the presence of a high degree of aerosolization with many routine procedures. During this critical transition back into the post-coronavirus dental operatory, we will dramatically reduce aerosols from procedures so that patients and staff feel assured all measures are taken to minimize the risk of transmission of the virus.

Aerosols can be created by many dental procedures. In the hygiene department they are created using ultrasonic, rotary prophy cups, and simple air/water spray. In the clinical area the dentist produces aerosols with the high-speed handpieces.

In clinical trials by TRAC research (Dr. Rella Christensen) it has been demonstrated that the most effective means to reduce aerosols in dental procedures is the use of high-volume evacuation (HVE). To remove the potentially infected bioburden from the mouth high volume evacuation suction has been utilized. When this practice was built, we installed a central suction unit which is the most powerful on the market. As more demand is placed on the system suction is not decreased thanks to a sensor rheostat system that keeps the evacuation rate constant and extremely powerful. The use of a rubber dam isolates the working environment of the mouth and separates it from the host and the hosts microbial contents. The rubber dam also allows the utilization of disinfecting agents on teeth that may be unsuitable on the oral soft tissues. This provides the best degree of lowering risk exposure. The use of a novel HVE attachment called Xuction will be used. This is probably the most effective and ingenious device developed for aerosol control and is used right at the patients oral cavity.

The use of a rubber dam isolates the working environment of the mouth and separates it from the host and the hosts microbial contents. The rubber dam also allows the utilization of disinfecting agents on teeth that may be unsuitable on the oral soft tissues. This provides the best degree of lowering risk exposure.

Hygiene Department: In the hygiene department there are several measures that can be taken to achieve the goal of mitigating aerosols. It should be noted that these recommendations are provisional while the health officials quell the risk of Coronavirus transmission. Hygiene will be minimizing the use of the ultrasonic. During this provisional period hygienists would utilize hand scalers as the primary tool for calculus and plaque removal. The use of Xuction and high-volume evacuation have been shown to be the most effective way of eliminating bio aerosols. Use of both in conjunction with the Medify Air Purifiers described above within each operatory will ensure minimizing the aerosol production.

The use of Xuction and high-volume evacuation have been shown to be the most effective way of eliminating bio aerosols. Use of both in conjunction with the Medify Air Purifiers described above within each operatory will ensure minimizing the aerosol production.

Restorative and Surgical Care: While a dentist is performing dental procedures aerosol creation comes with the territory. We have used the rubber dam since 1985 whenever feasible this is not new for us. In conjunction with the use of high-volume evacuation and the Medify Air Purifiers, described above, in each operatory will ensure minimizing the aerosol production.

Staff will be screened with several specific questions each morning upon entering the practice to verify they have no symptoms of infection. Body temperatures will be taken prior to staff changing into their underlying scrubs. Any temperature above 100.4 will require the staff member to go home.

Masks: Masks covering the mouth and nose of the dental providers will be the focus of the PPE protocol. In addition to proper use of a protective mask, knowledge of the grade of the mask is critical to the level of protection. We will attempt to use respirator masks N95 if available but also KN95 if N95 is not available. All providers when treating patients will be wearing Level 3 mask, or an N-95 (or greater) with a regular medical mask over it to prevent the respirator soiling. Gloves: There has been no specific recommendations with respect to glove use. We have always followed CDC/ADA/Universal Precaution guidelines. Eye protection: With increased awareness of aerosols and potential exposure to the eyes through air exposure face-shields will provide an additional layer of protection and can be used in addition to protective eyewear. For aerosol generating procedures face shields will be used by staff and by hygienists for all patients. Face Shield: Face shield will be worn by all dental providers to prevent aerosol splatter for all procedures that generate aerosols. Hair nets: Although not commonly used in routine dentistry, hair nets have been shown to increase containment of the dental provider from settling aerosols in the air. Staff will be required to wear hair nets. Gowns: Staff will wear isolation/surgical gowns for every patient over clinical scrubs. Gowns will be changed for every hygiene patient. Gowns will be changed by staff for any procedure that generates aerosol. The experience and professional judgement of the staff will be instrumental. Clinical Garb: As part of the dental practice infection control program it is imperative that staff remove all external clinical attire before leaving the building. Upon leaving the dental office for any reason all externally exposed scrubs and gowns must remain at the office and cleaned professionally. Cross contamination between clinical and personal attire poses a significant public health threat and provides the rationale for removing personal attire in the morning and removing work attire when leaving for the day. Laundry of the used clinical garb is done by a professional medical laundering service. Employee Health Screening: We have established routine, daily health checks which include temperature checks using touchless thermometers before employees are allowed on the premises at the beginning of their shift. If temperature is 100.4F or higher, or the employee exhibits visible symptoms of illness consistent with COVID-19, the employee will be asked to leave work and return home to self-quarantine. If an employee does not accept the screening, the company will request the employee leave work, obtain medical clearance, and provide an official certificate prior to returning to the company premises. Early Reporting: We have established an Early Reporting Policy, where all employees need to immediately report any COVID-19-type symptoms (such as fever, coughing, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, etc.) to their supervisor or HR. If you develop any of these symptoms related to COVID-19, you will be asked to stay (or return) home and to call your healthcare provider right away. We have established a flexible sick-leave policy for illnesses due to COVID-19.

Eye protection: With increased awareness of aerosols and potential exposure to the eyes through air exposure face-shields will provide an additional layer of protection and can be used in addition to protective eyewear. For aerosol generating procedures face shields will be used by staff and by hygienists for all patients.

Hair nets: Although not commonly used in routine dentistry, hair nets have been shown to increase containment of the dental provider from settling aerosols in the air. Staff will be required to wear hair nets.

Gowns: Staff will wear isolation/surgical gowns for every patient over clinical scrubs. Gowns will be changed for every hygiene patient. Gowns will be changed by staff for any procedure that generates aerosol. The experience and professional judgement of the staff will be instrumental.

Clinical Garb: As part of the dental practice infection control program it is imperative that staff remove all external clinical attire before leaving the building. Upon leaving the dental office for any reason all externally exposed scrubs and gowns must remain at the office and cleaned professionally. Cross contamination between clinical and personal attire poses a significant public health threat and provides the rationale for removing personal attire in the morning and removing work attire when leaving for the day. Laundry of the used clinical garb is done by a professional medical laundering service.

Employee Health Screening: We have established routine, daily health checks which include temperature checks using touchless thermometers before employees are allowed on the premises at the beginning of their shift. If temperature is 100.4F or higher, or the employee exhibits visible symptoms of illness consistent with COVID-19, the employee will be asked to leave work and return home to self-quarantine. If an employee does not accept the screening, the company will request the employee leave work, obtain medical clearance, and provide an official certificate prior to returning to the company premises.

Early Reporting: We have established an Early Reporting Policy, where all employees need to immediately report any COVID-19-type symptoms (such as fever, coughing, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, etc.) to their supervisor or HR. If you develop any of these symptoms related to COVID-19, you will be asked to stay (or return) home and to call your healthcare provider right away. We have established a flexible sick-leave policy for illnesses due to COVID-19.

Disinfection Agents: The use of the only formulation known to kill all bacteria, mold, and viruses in a clinical environment (presence of saliva and blood) will be used to decontaminate the operatories. Ethanol at concentrations of greater than 70% V/V (volume per volume) are required for this. Using a solution with 80% V/V Ethanol will be utilized as the primary disinfection agent.

Our Mitigation protocol of COVID-19 transmission is to prevent transmission of infectious disease. Also, we would like to calm the fear and anxiety of the emotional mindsets likely to be present with our patient and staff families. Everyone will be on high-alert as we are re-entering our place of work with a thorough and scientifically sound protocol. These guidelines will encourage a positive return to our routine of delivering safe and high-quality dental care. We want our dental team to be confident upon returning to work and work under safe conditions.

Reviews

Rating 4.8 out of 5 based on 51 reviews

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Turner Montgomery
3 years ago
The staff is incredibly kind and caring. I always love coming back!

Mary Ferguson
3 years ago
I was late for my appointment but they were very nice about it and took good care of me as usual. Hygienist was very gentle and professional.

brenda douglas
3 years ago
Our family have been patients of Art Lyford for over 20 years. In that 20 years he has continued to raise his standards in technology, his equipment, his staff and his service. Every time I go in he has amazing tools, that make me more comfortable, at ease and more confident in the care I am receiving. He diagnosed my mouth cancer and I am forever grateful for that. I love my Dentist!!

Barb Longfellow
3 years ago
Dr. Lyford and crew always present a clean and comfortable space for all my dental work.

Tom Gehan
3 years ago
I have been a patient of Art Lyford's for over 20 years. He has always been an early adopter of new techniques and technologies. Whether it's advanced imaging or fabrication of crowns and restorations, he can handle many cases that other dentists would have to refer to labs or other providers, saving time and aggravation. In addition to the technical capabilities, Art gets the human aspect of his work. He's seen me after hours to fix urgent issues - I recall his seeing me in the middle of a three-day weekend to do a root canal. I am always confident that the care I receive is of the highest quality.

Pamela Ratta
3 years ago
Its always a pleasure to go see Art Lyford and his very capable team!With my first visit since the start of covid 19 I felt confident that every precaution was being taken for everyones safety. I know Dr Lyford would put in place well thought out precautions. Myself and my family have been going to Dr Lyford for about 30 years, and he has always stayed on top of the latest techniques and has always been sensitive to everyones needs, and making sure you are comfortable. 100% recommend!

Joanne Masingill
3 years ago
Art Lyford Dentistry has continued to be excellent in all aspects of dentistry. Art continues to master new techniques and adds new services to his practice. I've been a patient for 20 years and continue to see him annually despite the fact that I no longer live in NH.

Donald Dutile
3 years ago
I've gone to Art for all my years in Hollis, and continue to do so after moving out of town. The dental hygenists are attentive to my sensitive front gums when cleaning, and do a great job at the task. I have great discussions with them on pros and cons of dental care methods and really appreciate the time they take to listen to what I do, and the suggestions on dental care, especially as they change over the years. I've also had filling replacments and tooth extractions that have been nothing but the best. When Art sees an issue he believes another dental professional should handle -- gum surgery, orthodontic, tooth replacement -- he doesn't hesitate to make the proper recommendations, and he has an excellent network of dental professionals that he forwards patients to. So to assure the reader that I'm not just blowing smoke, here's one complaint -- the pay up front, get paid-back by insurance later. I can understand how this can be an issue for new patients, or new dental plans, but after all the years and the repetitive completion of the payments by insurance, I wish this process would go back to receive-unpaid-portion in a bill after the service, that gets paid out of an HCRA. There, I hope the reader finds the above complete and honest.

Coral LeBlanc
3 years ago
I am totally impressed with there services ! It has been many visits due to my nature of needing there services and every visit is totally professional . And I would recommend all to make the trip if you need a Dentist and a staff that works with you and great results. Thank you Dr Lyford and staff

joseph creamer
4 years ago
Couldn't possibly rate this experience any higher. The staff is helpful, knowledgeable, and courteous. Appointments are right on time. Very little if any waiting. Dr. Lyford is the best of the best in my book. I had been experiencing reoccurring infections for over two years. Been to Dentist five times and medical clinics twice and prescribed every Antibiotic on the planet. Still continued to have problems. On the first visit Dr Lyford identified the problem and fixed it on the second visit. Have a problem? See Dr Lyford First!!

brenda douglas
4 years ago
Our family have been patients of Art Lyford for over 20 years. In that 20 years he has continued to raise his standards in technology, his equipment, his staff and his service. Every time I go in he has amazing tools, that make me more comfortable, at ease and more confident in the care I am receiving. He diagnosed my mouth cancer and I am forever grateful for that. I love my Dentist!!

Tom Gehan
4 years ago
I have been a patient of Art Lyford's for over 20 years. He has always been an early adopter of new techniques and technologies. Whether it's advanced imaging or fabrication of crowns and restorations, he can handle many cases that other dentists would have to refer to labs or other providers, saving time and aggravation. In addition to the technical capabilities, Art gets the human aspect of his work. He's seen me after hours to fix urgent issues - I recall his seeing me in the middle of a three-day weekend to do a root canal. I am always confident that the care I receive is of the highest quality.

Donald Dutile
4 years ago
I've gone to Art for all my years in Hollis, and continue to do so after moving out of town. The dental hygenists are attentive to my sensitive front gums when cleaning, and do a great job at the task. I have great discussions with them on pros and cons of dental care methods and really appreciate the time they take to listen to what I do, and the suggestions on dental care, especially as they change over the years. I've also had filling replacments and tooth extractions that have been nothing but the best. When Art sees an issue he believes another dental professional should handle -- gum surgery, orthodontic, tooth replacement -- he doesn't hesitate to make the proper recommendations, and he has an excellent network of dental professionals that he forwards patients to. So to assure the reader that I'm not just blowing smoke, here's one complaint -- the pay up front, get paid-back by insurance later. I can understand how this can be an issue for new patients, or new dental plans, but after all the years and the repetitive completion of the payments by insurance, I wish this process would go back to receive-unpaid-portion in a bill after the service, that gets paid out of an HCRA. There, I hope the reader finds the above complete and honest.

Pamela Ratta
4 years ago
Its always a pleasure to go see Art Lyford and his very capable team!With my first visit since the start of covid 19 I felt confident that every precaution was being taken for everyones safety. I know Dr Lyford would put in place well thought out precautions. Myself and my family have been going to Dr Lyford for about 30 years, and he has always stayed on top of the latest techniques and has always been sensitive to everyones needs, and making sure you are comfortable. 100% recommend!

Mary Ferguson
4 years ago
I was late for my appointment but they were very nice about it and took good care of me as usual. Hygienist was very gentle and professional.

Coral LeBlanc
4 years ago
I am totally impressed with there services ! It has been many visits due to my nature of needing there services and every visit is totally professional . And I would recommend all to make the trip if you need a Dentist and a staff that works with you and great results. Thank you Dr Lyford and staff

Joanne Masingill
4 years ago
Art Lyford Dentistry has continued to be excellent in all aspects of dentistry. Art continues to master new techniques and adds new services to his practice. I've been a patient for 20 years and continue to see him annually despite the fact that I no longer live in NH.

Barb Longfellow
4 years ago
Dr. Lyford and crew always present a clean and comfortable space for all my dental work.

Turner Montgomery
4 years ago
The staff is incredibly kind and caring. I always love coming back!

Sharron Newell
4 years ago
This was my first visit for a cleaning and I am very impressed. Kristen was very careful around my sensitive spots and did a thorough job. She offered very helpful tips on keeping my mouth healthy. I will go back to her in a heartbeat. Also, Dr. Lyford and his staff are warm and welcoming. I am never in doubt about procedures (and there will be a few) that need to be performed. So happy I switched to his practice.

Find the best dentist in: New Hampshire / Hillsborough County / Hollis / 03049

Arthur O. Lyford, Dmd, Pllc

Reviews

Rating 4.8 out of 5 based on 51 reviews