OK RDH Can Vaccinate

UPDATE AS OF JUNE 3, 2021:

Our updated Practice Act now allows Oklahoma registered dental hygienists to administer vaccinations under general supervision.

Read more here: Updated State Practice Act 2021 — SB408 – ODHA (okdha.org)

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UPDATE AS OF MAY 4, 2021:

Governor Kevin Stitt signed executive order to withdraw and rescind the COVID-19 State of Emergency effective Tuesday, May 4, 2021.

This means that as of that date, hygienists may no longer vaccinate since our scope of practice had only widened while Oklahoma was under a State of Emergency.

The ODHA still encourages you to look into your volunteer options and complete all required training with the Medical Reserve Corps in case your valuable skills are needed in the future. The links are below.

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With appropriate training and supervision, Oklahoma RDHs can currently administer a COVID-19 vaccination. [NO LONGER VALID AS OF 5-4-2021]

From Susan Rogers, Executive Director and General Counsel for the Oklahoma Board of Dentistry on vaccinations (March 23, 2021):

“This language is in our rules and has been since the Murrah Bombing. Dr. Howl, the current Board President, the Board and myself as the Director and General Counsel, have determined that this covers the vaccine issue and both dentists and hygienists may give the COVID vaccine as long as the CDC reporting requirements are being met.”

CHAPTER 4. Catastrophic Health Emergency Plan 195:4-1. Purpose

The Board of Dentistry shall recognize a declared emergency and implement the existing Catastrophic Health Emergency Plan. All

alternative standards of care shall be authorized during an official declared emergency as directed by the Board of Dentistry. The Executive Director shall be responsible for coordination of the dental profession’s response, maintenance of necessary dental databases and activation of an emergency “phone tree”

195:4-1-2. Recognition of dental providers

Dentists, dental hygienists and dental assistants should be considered as “acting within the scope of his or her profession when providing all needed care during a declared local, state or national emergency”, and should be allowed to perform services requested of them when working under the supervision of a dentist or physician.

From Lezlie Carter, State Coordinator for the Oklahoma Medical Reserve Corps:
“You can apply to join the OKMRC at www.okmrc.org, where you will also find an online MRC Orientation training that will provide basic information. The MRC Orientation is required before we order the background check to complete your application process. Since you have a medical license as a dental hygienist, you will also receive an e-mail from OKMRC@health.ok.gov with instructions on submitting information for your background check. After your background check is completed and you become a volunteer, you will be automatically added to the e-mail list for your county.”

For More Vaccination Info:
Medical Reserve Corps link: https://www.okmrc.org/volunteering/
CDC training link: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/training-education/index.html
CDC Vaccinator Training Modules link: https://www2.cdc.gov/vaccines/ed/covid19/index.asp?fbclid=IwAR196kksKhh7B8tnj0Bztv1B_O5iA9pAJhL4vOyU7BXuZjbWxbdDtkveunw