Another Possible Reason to Visit Your Dentist: Your COVID-19 Vaccine
February 27, 2021
With health care workers stretched thin responding to record numbers of coronavirus hospitalizations, many states are scrambling to find extra hands with the skills to help get shots into arms. Some are finding the solution to this problem with the help of dentists and retirees.
A report released by the Duke-Margolis Center for Health Policy and National Governors Association in December cited 20 states that are considering recruiting non-traditional providers, including dentists.
In January, the first dentist in the US administered a Covid-19 vaccine in Oregon. Also, in January, the California Department of Consumer Affairs approved an emergency waiver to accelerate the pace of vaccination by allowing dentists to administer Covid-19 vaccines. In February, Minnesota passed legislation that allows dentists to be trained and administer influenza and COVID-19 vaccines to patients. States like Illinois and Arkansas are also taking this innovative measure and have approved a change to allow dentists to administer COVID-19 vaccines.
Dentists are a possible resource to administer vaccinations because they are already trained to provide injections in complex areas. Compared to navigating obstacles in the mouth including gag reflexes, major blood vessels, nerves and a moving tongue, a shot in the arm is simple.
Another compelling reason to give dentists the access to administer vaccinations: annually, more than 18 million people visit the dentist but not a primary care physician or other medical professional. Many dental professionals, especially those operating in community health care settings, are well positioned to serve as an important public health access point for COVID-19 vaccinations.
Oral health providers have previously been involved in administering vaccines during significant flu outbreaks and other health emergencies. Already, states like Illinois and Minnesota allow dentists to administer flu vaccines. Oregon passed a law in 2019 permitting dentists to administer vaccines more broadly.
Getting a vaccine at your dentist may not be available today. But getting your annual dental exam and other dental care certainly is.
A high quality, low-cost dental plan through INRTA and AMBA can help with the expense of check-ups, fillings, and more. Learn More.
RECENT POSTS
Want to Reduce Stress? AMBA Makes It Easy with 5 Simple Tips
April is Stress Awareness Month. It’s the perfect opportunity to shed light on stress management and promote strategies
Read More
6 Tips to Get the Most From Your Retirement Savings
For many people, one of the greatest concerns in retirement is whether they have enough savings and retirement income. Don't
Read More
Want to Take Control of Healthier Aging? These Are the Essential Five Steps
As we age, we become aware that our physical and mental health, as well as dietary and social needs, changes over time. We can
Read More
Getting Older? So Are Your Eyes. Look Out for These Common Vision Problems.
As we get older, it's normal to notice some vision problems. Issues like difficulty telling colors apart and taking more time
Read More