Oregon is one of three states where dentists are allowed to administer flu shots and the only state where they can administer other vaccines, according to local Fox affiliate KPTV.
State lawmakers passed a bill in 2019 that allows dentists to give patients age 12 and older flu shots after completing the appropriate training and certification, the station reported.
Jim Smith, DMD, a dentist with Kaiser Permanente, told KPTV he and about 25 other Kaiser Permanente dentists have been certified and will be ready to give patients flu shots during the first week of November.
"The idea is that we want to do things conveniently, safely, and maintain the health of patients. And so it's oftentimes convenient if they're already in the dental office for treatment to provide the vaccinations that they need so that that avoids having to make another trip," Dr. Smith told KPTV.
Dr. Smith also pointed out to the station that Oregon's policies could prove even more beneficial after a COVID-19 vaccine becomes available.
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