Dr. Reznik states that all dental healthcare workers should be offered early access to the SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine
The ADA News (9/4, Burger) reported, “Dentists are essential health care workers who should be afforded early access to a safe and effective SARS-CoV-2 vaccine when one becomes available, ADA Executive Director Kathleen T. O’Loughlin told a National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine panel Sept. 2.” The panel is working on “a plan for equitable distribution of the vaccine.” In her remarks, Dr. O’Loughlin “noted that 15% of the American public did not feel comfortable visiting the dentist without a medical breakthrough, according to a poll.” She said, “Early access to a safe and effective SARS-CoV-2 vaccine will reassure this group of patients that it is safe to resume dental appointments and will furthermore reassure dental health care practitioners who have reservations about delivery of dental care.” Dr. O’Loughlin and ADA President Chad P. Gehani also sent “a Sept. 4 letter to the National Academies affirming that dentists should be included among those who have early access to a vaccine when available.”
For more information about the ADA’s advocacy efforts during COVID-19, visit ADA.org/COVID19Advocacy.
