Dentists get the OK to provide COVID-19 vaccine

Dentists are currently qualified to administer influenza vaccine, but they can now also administer a COVID-19 vaccine.

Sponsored by Rep. Mike Freiberg (DFL-Golden Valley) and Sen. Rich Draheim (R-Madison Lake), a new law is meant to support wide scale vaccine distribution efforts across the state, enabling dentists to administer vaccines in community settings and with local public health organizations.

Patients need to be at least 16 years old; dentists must have successfully completed an educational program on vaccine administration approved by the Board of Dentistry; and they must have access to emergency response equipment – including epinephrine.

The law took effect March 4, 2021.

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