Qualifying dentists and dental hygienists who wish to administer COVID-19 vaccinations must first participate in a Board approved training program and then submit the vaccine authorization form.
Immunization Training Program
Before to administering COVID-19 immunizations, 201 KAR 8:505E, Section 3 requires licensees to "complete an immunization training program approved by the board. The course shall include, at a minimum:
(1) Educational material on the disease of COVID-19 and immunization as prevention of the disease;
(2) Contraindications and precautions for administration of the COVID-19 immunization;
(3) Intramuscular administration;
(4) Communication of the risks and benefits of the COVID-19 immunization and the legal requirements involved;
(5) Reporting of adverse events;
(6) Documentation required by federal law and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; and
(7) Storage and handling of COVID-19 immunizations."
The Board of Dentistry has approved the following CDC training modules as satisfying the training program requirement. This site contains three modules - one on vaccine overview and best practices, one on the Pfizer vaccine and one on the Moderna vaccine (additional modules will be added as new COVID-19 vaccines are approved). Please thoroughly review the contents of all three modules, including the embedded links on each page.
COVID-19 Vaccine Training Modules (CDC)
In addition to the CDC training modules, licensees without recent experience are encouraged to become reacquainted with injection techniques by reviewing the following videos:
Vaccine Authorization Form
After completing the training modules, fill out the following authorization form using your information as it appears on your license to practice and submit it
to the Board of Dentistry. On the form, applicants must attest that they have participated in the training program and understand the requirements for administering COVID-19 vaccines under 201 KAR 8:505E. Once approved, authorization to administer COVID-19 vaccines will be in place until the emergency regulation expires on October 24, 2021.
Unfortunately, the Continuing Education Units offered by the CDC for its training modules are not currently available to dental professionals. Therefore, the Board has authorized its own CE for licensees who participate in this training. Upon receipt of a properly completed authorization form, applicants will receive a conformation email with a link to a quiz covering the training modules as well as basic injection techniques. Although the quiz
is voluntary and not required for authorization to administer vaccines, it does provide one hour of Board approved CE and a certificate to document your knowledge should it be requested or required by an outside agency.