Cary, NC – With 13 percent of adults in North Carolina fully vaccinated against the coronavirus, a new group of health professionals are ready to join the vaccination effort: dentists.
To vaccinate more people, dentists such as Dr. Michael Riccobene, to those who can help now.
Did I expect to give a COVID vaccine? Absolutely not. But am I up for the challenge? Absolutely, ”he said.
Bobby White, of the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners, said dentists should take an online course offered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention before administering vaccines.
“The way this will be most beneficial for dentists is that they can become vaccinators through vaccination sites at the public health department,” explains White.
Dentists also have the option of being a provider where they can vaccinate in their office, but it must be approved by the CDC. That’s what Riccobene is currently doing for five of its locations.
“As we go through the costs and the training, we want to make sure we can reach as many people as possible,” said Riccobene.
Riccobene will need to ensure that its personnel are trained in the storage and handling of the vaccine and how to deal with allergic reactions. He will also have to cover all costs, which is about $ 1,000 per location.
Riccobene said he is ready, but there is a wait, and it is a long process.
“I spoke to the director of the dental board. He said it could be a few weeks before we have access to the vaccine,” he said.
White said it is unlikely that many dental offices will administer vaccines due to the waiting time, cost and logistical challenges.
“There are a lot of administrative hurdles to overcome, and it’s outside the dental board. It’s between the dentist and the CDC,” White said.
Governor Roy Cooper’s executive order allows dentists to administer vaccines until May 20, but that deadline can be extended at any time.