Cary, NC With 13 percent of North Carolina adults fully vaccinated against coronavirus, there is a new group of health workers ready to participate in the vaccination: dentists.
To vaccinate more people are dentists, like dr. Michael Riccobene, among those who can help now.
“Did I expect to be given a COVID vaccine? Absolutely not. But am I up to the challenge? Absolutely,” he said.
Bobby White, along with the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners, said dentists must complete an online course offered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention before administering vaccines.
“The way it will be best for dentists is that they can be vaccinated through vaccinations at the Department of Public Health,” White explained.
Dentists also have the option of being a provider where they can vaccinate in their office, but this must be approved by the CDC. This is what Riccobene is currently doing for five of its locations.
“If we go through costs and training, we want to make sure we can reach so many people,” Riccobene said.
Riccobene will need to ensure that his staff is trained in the storage and handling of the vaccine and the handling of allergic reactions. He will also have to cover all costs, which are about $ 1,000 per place.
Riccobene said he is ready but there is a wait and it is a long process.
“I spoke to the director of the dental council. He said it could take a few weeks before we have access to the vaccine,” he said.
White said many dental offices are unlikely to administer vaccines because of the wait, cost and logistical challenges.
“There are a lot of administrative barriers that need to be removed, and that’s outside the dental council. It’s between the dentist and the CDC,” White said.
According to Governor Roy Cooper’s executive order, dentists may administer vaccines until May 20, but the deadline may be extended at any time.