ADA Health Policy Institute data shows nearly 90% of dental providers are fully vaccinated for COVID-19, while 93.4% of them received at least one dose.

American Dental Association (ADA) President Daniel J. Klemmedson, DDS, MD, recently issued a statement to “strongly” encourage dental professionals to be vaccinated for COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. However, the organization is not calling for mandated vaccination.

In a July 28 email to member dental professionals, Klemmedson said that ADA policy recommends vaccination in accord with what the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention recommends, and the CDC does not currently recommend mandated COVID-19 vaccination for healthcare professionals.

Klemmedson said it was important to confirm the ADA’s stance on vaccination for COVID-19 in light of recent news coverage about a number of health organizations calling for mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations for healthcare workers.

“As we continue to hear about rising infection rates due to the Delta variant, I want to repeat to you what I noted in my December 2020 message: Dental professionals are essential healthcare providers whose leadership, counsel, and example will go a long way in building vaccine confidence in our nation,” Klemmedson wrote. “Let’s do our part to move public health forward. If you haven’t already been vaccinated, please get vaccinated and encourage your team members and patients to do the same.”

He noted that if the CDC changes its recommendation, the ADA will share this news with members to ensure they are following all applicable rules and regulations. He also pointed out that the ADA was a staunch advocate for the successful inclusion of dental professionals in Phase 1A of COVID-19 vaccine distribution, with final authority resting with individual states.

In addition, because dentistry is a science and evidence-based profession, Klemmedson shared ADA Health Policy Institute data that found nearly 90% of dental providers reported being fully vaccinated for COVID-19, while 93.4% of them reported receiving at least one dose.