Many people are experiencing tooth discoloration, which may indicate more serious issues, such as decay or infection, as patients neglect their oral health amid the pandemic, John Pawlowicz, DMD, a Pittsburgh-based dentist, told CBS affiliate KDKA-TV.
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The SARS-CoV-2 virus infects cells in the mouth and can be transmitted via saliva, according to research from the National Institutes of Health and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill published March 25 in Nature.
Davie, Fla.-based Nova Southeastern University will pay $5.5 million to settle a class-action lawsuit after students at its post-graduate orthodontic clinic used improperly sterilized equipment, the Florida Bulldog reported March 24.
Below are four recent stories regarding dental professionals' roles administering COVID-19 vaccines.
The Iowa House has voted to let dentists administer COVID-19 vaccines and give the shots at their practices if they want to, though some are questioning the move, reports Radio Iowa.
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A Nevada proposal would allow dentists statewide to administer vaccines for diseases such as the flu or human papillomavirus, reports Nevada Business.
HHS on March 11 amended an emergency declaration under the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act to permit dentists and dental students, among other providers, to administer COVID-19 vaccines.
More than 100 organizations have endorsed dental therapy, according to the National Partnership for Dental Therapy.
Fresno (Calif.) Dental Studio is offering COVID-19 vaccinations right at the practice, reports ABC affiliate KFSN-TV.
Though dental hygienists are listed on Utah's state health department website as authorized after training to administer COVID-19 vaccines, the state is currently not accepting hygienists as volunteers, according to NBC affiliate KSL-TV.