COVID Vaccine

An order from the Commissioner of the Department of Public Health authorizes dentists and dental hygienists (provided they have training to administer anesthesia) to administer COVID-19 vaccinations at health care facilities, such as hospitals and community health clinics, after completing training approved by the Department of Public Health (DPH).

The approved training consists of two parts. Part 1 is an online training program through either DPH Train.org or the UCONN School of Pharmacy. Part 2 consists of a hands-on training or skills verification training either at the UCONN School of Pharmacy or through an approved skills evaluator. Please note that the list of approved skills evaluators is currently being developed and has not been uploaded yet. Members are encouraged to check the DPH’s vaccine training website periodically for updates.

You can find further information regarding the training at, https://portal.ct.gov/DPH/Practitioner-Licensing--Investigations/PLIS/Approved-COVID-19-Vaccination-Training-Programs.

Part 1: Approved Online Training Programs

Department of Public Health Train.org
(https://www.train.org/connecticut/course/1095426)

OR

UCONN School of Pharmacy Course
Training - Professions Authorized to Administer COVID-19 Vaccine – State of CT – 35 Minute Presentation

   a. Click on “Catalog” link
   b. Click “Register” button on the course
   c. Click “Proceed to Check out”

   d. Fill out the registration page and click “Register

Part 2: Hands-on Training or Skills Verification

UCONN School of Pharmacy faculty – must upload your online training certificate to the UCONN School of Pharmacy page and email joanne.nault@uconn.edu for available dates and times.

OR

List of currently approved skills evaluators. (NOTE: This list of approved skills evaluators is currently being developed and has not been uploaded yet. Members are encouraged to check the DPH’s vaccine training website periodically for updates.)

Skills evaluation may be completed by one of the following professionals once they have completed a train-the-trainer orientation:

• Physician
• Physician assistant
• Advanced practice registered nurse
• Registered nurse
• Licensed practical nurse
• Paramedic
• EMS instructor (who has experience in the Epinephrine by IM Injection Program)

A list of healthcare professionals who have completed the training to administer vaccinations will be posted to the DPH’s Approved COVID-19 Vaccination Training Programs webpage.

Ready to volunteer?
If you are interested in volunteering to provide COVID vaccinations, remember to register with CTResponds at ctresponds.ct.gov. Once you have completed Parts 1 and 2 of your training, you will be able to upload your certificates to the CTResponds system. You will be contacted by your local health department, health facility, or other entities providing vaccines when your assistance is needed.

Currently, fully vaccinated health care providers including dental hygienists "with higher-risk exposures who are asymptomatic do not need to be restricted from work for 14 days following their exposure."

Please see the link below: The important piece of this link is under number 2 - Work restriction for asymptomatic healthcare personnel and quarantine for asymptomatic patients and residents. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/infection-control-after-vaccination.html

Although the interaction with others outside of work is permitted without a facemask if both parties are fully vaccinated and in small gatherings, this does not apply to HCP at work. Recommendations for use of personal protective equipment by HCP remain unchanged. Universal facemask and 6 foot distancing still applies in healthcare settings. Click here to read the CDC updated Healthcare Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations in Response to COVID-19 Vaccination.

Yes, dentists can ask patients if they’ve been vaccinated as part of their patient screening questions. However, patients may decline to answer the question or they may be untruthful about their status. That is why dental offices should continue to follow the CDC’s Interim Infection Prevention and Control Guidance for Dental Settings During the Coronavirus Pandemic and treating every patient as if they are potentially infectious.