A Nevada proposal would allow dentists statewide to administer vaccines for diseases such as the flu or human papillomavirus, reports Nevada Business.
The nonprofit Immunize Nevada and the Nevada Dental Association have backed the bill proposed by state Assemblyman P.K. O'Neill, R-Carson City. Introduced March 12 in the Nevada Legislature, the bill would let dentists administer vaccines for common diseases and continue administering the COVID-19 vaccine.
The bill acknowledges the ongoing need to improve Nevada's overall vaccination rates and access to basic healthcare services.
"We want Nevadans to know that administering vaccines is within the scope of practice for a dentist, that Nevada acknowledges this and that there is legislation being put forth to make this permanent," said NDA President Mark Funke, DDS. "We are also grateful to have support for this legislation from a number of respected entities, including Immunize Nevada. This effort will increase the public's access to life-saving care in a safe, effective and convenient manner and help alleviate the burden on the local healthcare system."
Oregon is one of the only states that currently allows dentists to administer such vaccines.