The State of Colorado recently established a state vaccine plan. While dentists and hygienists were not directly listed in the original document as professionals who would be priority recipients of the COVID-19 vaccine, the CDA and Colorado Dental Hygienists’ Association successfully lobbied the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to ensure dental professionals were included in the first phase of vaccine distribution.
Dentists and dental hygienists have some of the highest risk for potential exposure among healthcare providers due to the proximity to patients, work in the oral cavity and the aerosols created during procedures.
The CDA will keep members updated as the vaccine becomes available.