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The American Dental Association, a 160-year-old professional organization representing 162,000 dentists across the United States, is taking a measured approach to COVID-19 vaccination among its members. Rather than imposing a mandate, the organization is strongly encouraging dental professionals to be vaccinated against the virus and other infectious diseases, according to reporting by The Sun.
The ADA’s position aligns with guidance from the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which at the time of the organization’s statement did not recommend mandatory COVID-19 vaccination for healthcare professionals. The Chicago-based ADA president emphasized the organization’s commitment to supporting dentists while acknowledging the evolving pandemic landscape, particularly as the Delta variant drove rising infection rates.
Dental professionals, the ADA leadership noted, occupy a unique position as essential healthcare providers whose vaccination decisions carry weight beyond their individual practices. The organization called on dentists to serve as examples to their teams and patients, framing vaccination as part of advancing public health confidence in the United States.
Data from the ADA revealed strong voluntary uptake among its membership. According to an August 2021 news release, nearly 90% of dentists in the U.S. and its territories reported being fully vaccinated for COVID-19, while 93.4% reported having received at least one dose. The organization characterized dentistry as a science and evidence-based profession, suggesting that high vaccination rates reflected the profession’s commitment to medical best practices.
The American Dental Association has served as the primary professional advocacy organization for U.S. dentists since its founding 160 years prior. Its stated mission includes empowering the dental profession, promoting the art and science of dentistry, and ensuring member dentists have the resources needed to succeed in their practice.
Sources and attribution
- The Sun
- ADA 'strongly' encouraging dental professionals to be …
- Founding of the American Dental Association
- History of the ADA
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