Dentists, registered dental hygienists and other professionals who have active California licenses that expire between March 1 and March 31 now have additional time to satisfy the examination and continuing education requirements for license renewal.

COVID-19’s impact on dentistry remains a top advocacy priority for CDA, and a new bill that CDA is co-sponsoring with the California Medical Association would help to safeguard health care providers’ financial stability during future state emergencies like the current pandemic.

Dentists and other small-business owners suffering ongoing pandemic hardship in California can receive immediate relief through a $7.6 billion legislative package signed into law yesterday by Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Organized dentistry is making it easier for dentists across California to support COVID-19 vaccination efforts. Local dental societies have been working with local health departments to get dentists and their staff members vaccinated, and dentists are volunteering their time and skills at vaccination clinics in their communities. 

The Department of Consumer Affairs on Feb. 11 approved a public health emergency waiver that allows registered dental hygienists in California to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to individuals 16 and older under the supervision of an eligible vaccine provider, such as a dentist, licensed physician or surgeon.

After a slight decrease in patient volume in November and December, a recent survey by the American Dental Association’s Health Policy Institute reveals a recovery for dental practices in the new year.

Dentists across California are beginning to get involved in the state’s COVID-19 vaccination efforts following an emergency public health waiver granted last month that allows dentists to administer the vaccine to individuals age 16 and older once the dentist completes the required training.
 

Dr. Tippett-Whyte answers your questions about the safety of the COVID-19 vaccine, why it’s best to avoid implementing a mandatory vaccine policy among your dental staff and offers guidance on maintaining extra infection control protocols. 

After nearly a year of compliance with complicated, and sometimes uncomfortable, COVID-19 protocols, many dental professionals are exhausted. However, fatigue with wearing mandatory personal protective equipment doesn’t change the regulations or the potential for serious risks.