Dentists in at least 20 states are approved to administer the COVID-19 vaccine, helping the U.S. healthcare system curb the spread of the pandemic, according to the American Dental Association.
The ADA created an interactive map outlining dentists' ability to administer the COVID-19 vaccine by state. The map also shows the phase of the state vaccination plan that dentists will receive the vaccine.
The ADA also developed principles to help state associations advocating for dentists to administer vaccines, which include participating in an online vaccination administration course, forging patient relationships, complying with record-keeping requirements and following immunity statutes within the state.
"Because most of the states have recognized dentistry as essential, it is only fitting that we join frontline workers in the ability to administer the vaccine," David White, DDS, ADA Council on Government Affairs chair, said Feb. 3. "We are just very proud to be recognized as essential."