Ryan Thrower, DMD, a first-year orthodontics resident and 2020 graduate of the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) School of Dentistry, administered the first COVID-19 vaccine on campus to Ansu Drammeh, RN, BSN, a cardiac intensive care nurse and 2018 graduate of the OHSU School of Nursing.
According to OHSU, Thrower is the first dentistry trainee in the United States to administer the COVID-19 vaccine. Also, Oregon is the only state in the United States so far where dentists have been authorized to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to patients of any age.
“This vaccine has been slated at over 90% effective, which is incredible,” Thrower said. “I am comfortable with it. I am comfortable telling my family to take it. It is one small step to not only protect ourselves but the people you care about the most.”
Thrower said it was humbling to share in this historic moment.
“As a Black female dentist, it was important for me to not only show that I am properly trained to administer vaccines, but to demonstrate that I support those who want to take the COVID-19 vaccination,” she said.
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