COVID-19 case rise driven by BA.5 variant

Government, ADA resources can help dental professionals stay vigilant

Are COVID-19 cases surging in your community?

The latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization show that cases are surging in areas worldwide, and more than 80% of these new cases in the U.S. are caused by the BA.5 variant.

"The ADA continues to check for updates as COVID variants emerge," said James Hoddick, D.D.S., chair of the ADA Council on Dental Practice. Dr. Hoddick is also a clinical assistant professor in the department of restorative dentistry at the University of Buffalo School of Dental Medicine and a general dentist in Tonawanda, New York.

"A great example of how variants of COVID continue to evolve is to compare data over the past several weeks," Dr. Hoddick said. "According to the CDC's variant proportions data, Variant BA.5 comprised 9.4% of cases on June 4and as of July 23 the number jumped to 81.9%."

Dr. Hoddick reminds dental professionals that they should:
- Stay apprised of COVID levels in their community by visiting the CDC COVID-19 by County page.
- Stay up to date on local public health requirements at the National Association of County and City Health Officials website.
- Assess their office's masking using the ADA's resource, Indoor Masking in Dental Practice Public Spaces.
- See the latest CDC data on COVID-19 vaccinations in the U.S.
- Review the CDC's latest vaccination recommendations.

For a variety of practice resources from the ADA on COVID-19, visit ADA.org.