Important Information Regarding COVID-19 Ba.5 Variant

As of August 4, 2022, the majority of current cases are caused by the Covid Variant BA.5. It is highly transmissible and able to evade previous immunity gained from Covid infection and vaccination. The good news: The variant is not causing the level of severe illness seen with the original Covid 19.  Nonetheless,  HIGH RISK PATIENTS, as outlined below, should still consult their doctor prior to seeking dental treatment. 

URGENT CARE: The doctor on call can be reached at (857) 318-9244. We are here for you, to help you, whether you are new to our office or a regular patient. 

1. Also please feel free to call Greater Boston Dental Phone Number 617-924-7301 to contact our front desk.  

Adults of any age with the following conditions are at high risk of severe illness from the virus that causes COVID-19 AND SHOULD CONSULT THEIR MEDICAL DOCTOR FOR ADVICE ON SCHEDULING  DENTAL CARE:

• Cancer
• Chronic kidney disease
• COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
• Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies
• Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from solid organ transplant
• Obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 30 kg/m² or higher but < 40 kg/m²)
• Severe Obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m²)
• Pregnancy
• Sickle cell disease
• Smoking
• Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Based on what we know at this time, adults of any age with the following conditions might be at an increased risk for severe illness from the virus that causes COVID-19 AND SHOULD CONSULT THEIR MEDICAL DOCTOR FOR ADVICE ON SCHEDULING DENTAL CARE:

• Asthma (moderate-to-severe)
• Cerebrovascular disease (affects blood vessels and blood supply to the brain)
• Cystic fibrosis
• Hypertension or high blood pressure
• Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from blood or bone marrow transplant, immune deficiencies, HIV, use of corticosteroids, or use of other immune weakening medicines   
• Neurologic conditions, such as dementia
• Liver disease
• Overweight (BMI > 25 kg/m², but < 30 kg/m²) (Continued on next page)
• Pulmonary fibrosis (having damaged or scarred lung tissues)
• Thalassemia (a type of blood disorder)
• Type 1 diabetes mellitus

Please delay your appointment  if, within the last 14 days, you have visited any quarantine-required area, or traveled from overseas.  Also, within the last 14 days, if you have had any cough/cold/fever symptoms, or exposure to someone with these symptoms,  please delay your appointment.

In recognition of ongoing news reports and the continued spread of the COVID-19 virus, we realize our patients have questions. As dedicated health care professionals, we want you to know that we remain as diligent as ever in protecting the health and safety of our patients and staff. Our practice strictly adheres to and exceeds the standards for infection control by wearing personal protective gear, using hospital-grade disinfectants, practicing the latest sterilization protocols, utilizing single-use disposable materials, and more. Every effort we have in place is to ensure the safety of our patients and staff. We want you to know that we are monitoring this situation very closely, and we will keep you updated regularly.

Symptoms of coronavirus are reported as flu-like, with varying degrees of severity. While we do not know everything about this virus to date, individuals who are elderly and/or immunocompromised appear to be the most at risk of a severe infection. To ensure your health and safety, and the health and safety of everyone at our practice, please reschedule your appointment if you or a member of your household has a cough, fever, and/or flu-like symptoms. In addition, please reschedule your appointment if you have traveled to any areas within the past 14 days that are at high risk for contracting the coronavirus.

We thank you in advance and extend our gratitude for your understanding and cooperation. Together, we can help keep everyone as safe and healthy as possible. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our office at Greater Boston Dental Phone Number 617-924-7301.

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Please view and share our latest COVID-19 Symptom Comparison Chart with your friends and family.

For further information, including measures to keep yourself healthy, visit the following links:

• Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention.html
• Symptoms: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/symptoms.html
• Steps When Sick: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/steps-when-sick.html