Regulations vary by state when it comes to whether or not dentists are qualified to receive or administer COVID-19 vaccines as part of the first phase of their distribution, prompting the ADA to publish an interactive map and guide to these regulations.
The ADA based its guide on information from state dental societies and is updating it as new information is received. Also, the ADA said it is working for its patients and the profession on three fronts:
- Helping dentists get vaccinated
- Helping dentists navigate being able to administer the vaccine
- Helping dentists talk to their patients about getting vaccinated too
ADA president Daniel J. Klemmedson, DDS, MD, was vaccinated at a hospital in Tucson, Arizona, where he regularly performs oral surgery on December 18.
“Within the past week, healthcare professionals around the country have rolled up their sleeves to receive the highly anticipated COVID-19 vaccine,” Klemmedson said. “I was fortunate to be one of them.”
Calling dental care essential to overall healthcare, the ADA has been lobbying for dentists to be included in the first phase of vaccinations, though final authority rests with individual states to prioritize populations to be offered the vaccine.
“When need is great and supplies are limited, public health officials often face tough decisions when determining an equitable distribution of resources,” Klemmedson said.
“Some states are prioritizing dentists in Phase 1A. In other states, dentists may be prioritized in Phase 1B or with different phases, tiers, and subgroups,” he said.
“Bear in mind, it may be weeks or longer before you are able to be vaccinated. Be sure to consult with your state society for further details,” Klemmedson said.
“Let’s do our part to move public health forward. Get vaccinated and encourage your patients to do the same so this time next year, we can gather once again,” he said.
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