The American Dental Association and the American Dental Education Association have released statements supporting COVID-19 vaccinations for dental professionals.
In its July 28 statement, the ADA "strongly" encouraged vaccinations amid rising infections of the delta variant nationwide but stated it was not calling for mandated vaccinations because the CDC has not.
The same day, the ADEA urged its member institutions and programs to advise faculty, staff, students and residents to get vaccinated. The organization noted in its statement that the CDC has attributed 82 percent of new cases to the delta variant.
"ADEA is concerned about the well-being of its members who are providing oral healthcare every day and implores its members to advocate for COVID-19 vaccination requirements at their institution of learning," the association stated in a news release.
According to the ADA's Health Policy Institute, nearly 90 percent of dentists are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.