A Tradition Of Fine Dentistry
COVID-19 UPDATE
VFCD has been alerted from the Mass Dental Society (MDS) with their guidance on COVID-19. Effective Tuesday, March 17 through April 6, we must implement new restrictions on patient care.
As the facts and situation around COVID-19 (Coronavirus) continue to evolve, and in step with Governor Baker’s recent Declaration of a State of Emergency, the Massachusetts Dental Society Executive Committee and Board of Trustees is issuing the following guidance for dentists in Massachusetts.
The MDS strongly recommends that dentists practicing in the Commonwealth close their offices from March 17 to April 6 to patients seeking elective and non-urgent care. As always, it is expected that dentists will continue to be available as needed for TRUE emergency management.
This is not guidance we are issuing lightly, and it is being done out of an abundance of caution during these turbulent times. As healthcare professionals, we all have a role to play in slowing the spread of the coronavirus and “flattening the curve” in order to follow sound scientific, public health advice, to help limit infections and slow the spread of the virus.
The spread of COVID-19 will be determined by our collective actions now and this recommendation is being made out of an abundance of caution. We believe by taking these extraordinary precautions, dentists can make a difference in helping to preserve the limited supply of personal protection equipment critical for emergency dental care and frontline healthcare personnel responding to the pandemic.
If you have an appointment at VFCD for dental treatment, the appointment is canceled and we will work with you to reschedule it. We are now restricting treatment to TRUE URGENT AND EMERGENCY CARE ONLY. Our team will be in contact with you for rescheduling purposes in the near future.
URGENT / EMERGENCY CARE will be available on a pre-scheduled bases. To be seen you MUST have one or more of these conditions:
- SEVERE toothache pain (not just a twinge)
- Swelling of your gums, face, or neck
- Bleeding in your mouth THAT does not stop
- Infection or a substantial risk of it
- Trauma (such as a broken tooth, not a chip)
If you do require urgent / emergency care, please DO NOT just show up as we are closed. Call the office and follow the emergency contact information.
If any of the above apply, please call our office and we will find an appropriate time for you to be seen.
We regret that we must restrict our patient care this way. We are serving our patients in the safest manner possible and in doing this, we will safeguard the community. We hope you understand and we thank you for your cooperation.
We are planning to issue updated guidance via email, text and social media channels as new information becomes available. We encourage you to check our website and social medial platforms for updates as they happen.
Thank you and stay healthy,
Joan Vallera DDS and then entire VFCD family
Welcome To Vallera Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
At VFCD, we strive to exceed your expectations in all aspects of general, cosmetic, pediatric, and preventative dentistry. Our team offers a variety of treatment to fit the needs of our patients. We aspire to create a positive and friendly dental experience for patients of all ages.
We've been in business for 40 years with our office located in West Springfield, Massachusetts. Being a family owned business, we strive to ensure your visit is everything you expect it to be. Our team focuses on the best interest of our patients and are determined to provide you with the best dental care.
Phone: 413-734-0416
Address: 75 Van Deene Avenue West Springfield MA 01089
Hours:
M: 8:30 - 6 pm
T: 8:00 - 5 pm
W: 7:30 - 5:30 pm
Th: 8:00 - 4:00 pm
F: 9:00 - 5:00 pm
Our History
Vallera Family & Cosmetic Dentistry would like to welcome patients and their families to explore the incredible history that resides within the practice.
Dr. Paul Welch originally founded the practice, once called Paul X Welch DDS, in 1964. Dr. Welch, now 81, is the youngest of three generations of dentists in his family.
The Welch tradition began with his father, Francis and two uncles, Michael and Edward, when they opened their practice in downtown Springfield in 1910.
Dr. Welch graduated from American International College, Baltimore College of Dental Surgery and the University of Maryland.
Dr. Ochola and the hygienists at Vallera Family & Cosmetic Dentistry make a visit to the dentist a stress free event. They are very personable and immediately put my family, including my sons, at ease. My wife and I are also pleased by how thorough and accommodating they are.
- Jack Tranghese
I first visited Dr. Vallera’s practice many years ago, having significant dental work ahead and wanting to find someone I trusted. Dr. Vallera not only did a great job with my teeth, but she and the entire staff made it a really great experience – very welcoming and comfortable. Twenty years later, I am still with the practice along with my husband and children, my parents, as well as my siblings and their families. The experience for all of us continues to be positive!
- Christine A.