Registered dental hygienists in California are now allowed to administer the COVID-19 vaccine after the Department of Consumer Affairs approved a public health emergency waiver on Feb. 11.
RDHs are permitted to give the vaccine to individuals 16 and older under the supervision of an eligible vaccine provider, such as a dentist.
RDHs must complete the CDC's COVID-19 vaccine training course and at least six hours of a training program that covers injection technique as well as recognition and treatment of emergency reactions to vaccines.
The California Dental Association has advocated for state leaders to use dentists to accelerate vaccine distribution.
The organization is also calling for dental students to be approved to administer the vaccine under direct supervision of an eligible vaccine provider.