New training specifically for California dentists focuses on COVID-19 vaccine administration, patient preparation and documentation and satisfies the 1 unit of C.E. dentists must complete, along with the free training modules mandated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to administer the COVID-19 vaccines.
As CDA previously reported, California-licensed dentists gained permanent authority in October 2021 to independently administer influenza and COVID-19 vaccines to patients ages 3 and over provided the dentists complete specific training. The bill was a product of CDA advocacy and an outgrowth of the need to expand the number of eligible vaccinators earlier in the COVID-19 pandemic — with many dentists already administering vaccines temporarily under a public health emergency waiver.
“Dentists routinely provide injections to particularly sensitive areas of the mouth … and have extensive training in microbiology, autoimmune response, general anatomy, pharmacology and the starting of IVs,” which makes them especially well-equipped to administer vaccines, CDA stressed to the Legislature at that time.
Sixteen months later, dentists are as well-equipped as ever to administer vaccines, the need for vaccine administration is ongoing and dentists, as trusted health care professionals, can offer their patients the convenience of getting vaccinated at their scheduled dental appointments.
Registration open for ‘Dental Immunization Practice Management’
Developed in partnership with the University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, CDA’s online course, “Dental Immunization Practice Management,” provides the training and information dentists need to implement a vaccine administration program in their dental practice.
The interactive learning format covers patient preparation, injection techniques and vaccine administration, management of adverse reactions and proper documentation required by regulations.
Specifically, participants will:
- Learn the signs and symptoms of adverse reactions that can occur after vaccination.
- Receive guidance on how to properly report vaccines in the state immunization registries.
- Understand how to properly store and document administration of the COVID-19 vaccines.
- Earn 1 unit of continuing education upon successful completion.
The course, funded by the California Department of Public Health’s Office of Oral Health (CDPH/OOH Contract #20-10886), is free through June 30, 2023.
Register for “Dental Immunization Practice Management.”
CDC training modules and in-office vaccination resources for dentists
Dentists who have not completed the CDC’s free vaccination training modules introduced in early 2021 must also do so before they can begin administering the COVID-19 vaccines. Currently, there are five online trainings, including the newest module on the Novavax vaccine. Several others were updated in 2022. Each module description explains the program objectives, how to receive credit and any applicable renewal date.
Dentists can find posters, FAQ and other communication resources in CDA's Vaccine Confidence Toolkit.