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Ontario’s dentists are calling for early access to COVID-19 vaccine

Dentists should be included in the early rounds of COVID-19 vaccine recipients, the Ontario Dental Association (ODA) said. (Photo: DOD Photo by Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Carlos M. Vazquez II, USA)

Dental Tribune Canada

Wed. 6 January 2021

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TORONTO, Ontario, CANADA: The Ontario Dental Association (ODA) is calling for the provincial government to include dentists in the early rounds of vaccine recipients, according to a press release issued today (Jan. 6, 2021) by the association.

Dentists have been on the frontlines throughout the pandemic by keeping people with dental problems out of emergency rooms, the ODA said. By nature of the care they give, Ontario’s dentists are in direct risk of contracting COVID-19 and need to be on the priority list of health care professionals to be vaccinated early.

The ODA sent a letter to Health Minister Christine Elliott on Dec. 4 respectfully requesting dentists and their dental staff be considered for early vaccination to ensure their safety so they can continue to treat patients and lessen the burden on our already taxed healthcare system.

ODA President Dr. Lesli Hapak said, “The ODA understands the immense stress the province is under as they navigate through this pandemic but dentists are a key part of the healthcare system and provide specialty care that improves the health and well-being of millions of Ontarians every year. We need early access to the COVID-19 vaccine.”

The ODA has been Ontario’s primary source for dental information since 1867 and represents over 10,000, or 90 percent, of dentists in the province, the association said. More information and COVID-19 updates are available at the ODA website, www.oda.ca.

About the Ontario Dental Association

The Ontario Dental Association has been the voluntary professional association for dentists in Ontario since 1867. Today, OSA represents more than 9,000, or nine in 10, dentists across the province. The ODA is Ontario’s primary source of information on oral health and the dental profession, advocating for accessible and sustainable optimal oral health for all Ontarians by working with health-care professionals, governments, the private sector and the public. Dental care tips are available at www.youroralhealth.ca.

(Source: Ontario Dental Association)