Aug 21, 2024
ADA opposes NIH restructuring proposal
Coalition says proposal would ‘undermine’ NIDCR’s mission
Aug 21, 2024
Coalition says proposal would ‘undermine’ NIDCR’s mission
Aug 20, 2024
New report highlights barriers to obtaining dental care through Medicaid
Aug 20, 2024
ADA workshop to take place Dec. 6-7 in Chicago
Aug 20, 2024
Scheduled for Aug. 28
Aug 20, 2024
Federal rule could impact debt collection practices
Aug 20, 2024
University of Illinois Chicago College of Dentistry
Aug 20, 2024
Aug 12, 2024
Dr. Bor concluded that two important discoveries came out of this study.
Aug 12, 2024
Interested parties have until Sept. 25 to comment.
Aug 9, 2024
"ADA policy has not changed on this matter"
Aug 7, 2024
E-cigarette use could lead to caries, gingivitis
Aug 6, 2024
Change especially affects dental specialists
Aug 2, 2024
Aug 2, 2024
Virtual presentation set for Aug. 12
Jul 30, 2024
Study investigates effects of years without mineral
Jul 30, 2024
Jul 29, 2024
Theresa S. Gonzales, D.M.D., continues to demonstrate commitment to underserved
Jul 26, 2024
First US patent for wooden golf tee awarded to dentist in 1899
Jul 26, 2024
Dental programs reach high ADA membership sign-ups
Jul 26, 2024
Report estimates providers could save $1.5B by switching to electronic transactions
In light of Governor JB Pritzker’s press conference this morning, and subsequent Executive Order, announcing changes to vaccination requirements and face coverings, we wish to keep members apprised of how this impacts the profession of dentistry in Illinois.
In short, the intent of the Governor’s Executive Order, which carries the force of law, appears to be a mandate for all Health Care Workers to be fully vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine. Dental offices and the significant majority of personnel (for example: owners, employees, associates) will meet the definition of a Health Care Worker under this Executive Order.
More detailed information:
Health Care Worker Vaccinations (see definition at bottom)
All Health Care Workers must have the first dose of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine series (for example: Moderna or Pfizer) or a single dose COVID-19 vaccine (for example: Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen) within 10 days of August 26th and then fully vaccinated against COVID-19 within 30 days following administration of the first dose in a two-dose vaccination series. This means the first dose must be received before September 6th and the second dose before October 6th (of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine series).
Proof of Vaccination: Health Care Workers must provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 to the Health Care Facility (this specifically includes dental offices). In terms of a dental office, this would generally mean providing proof to the employer.
Such proof may include:
Testing for COVID-19 (until fully vaccinated)
Health Care Workers who are not yet fully vaccinated against COVID-19 must be tested for COVID-19 weekly, at a minimum. The Health Care Facility (for example: employer) must obtain proof or confirmation from the Health Care Worker of a negative test result until the individual is fully vaccinated by the dates listed above. No-cost testing is available at local health centers and select pharmacies, please click here to locate such a testing site.
Health Care Facilities (again, which include dental offices) shall exclude Health Care Workers who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 from the premises unless they comply with the testing requirements in the interim period.
Exemption: Individuals are exempt from the requirement to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 if they demonstrate they are exempt due to:
Individuals with a medical or religious exemption shall undergo, at a minimum, weekly testing for COVID-19 and provide proof of negative test result to the Health Care Facility.
Face Coverings
Face covering rules will not have changed for dental practices – all individuals entering or working within dental practices are still required to continue wearing a face covering.
Abbreviated Definitions from Executive Order 2021-20 (Executive Order 2021-20):
Health Care Workers – employed by, volunteers for, or is contracted to provide services for a Health Care Facility, or is employed by an entity that is contracted to provide services to a Health Care Facility AND is in close contact (fewer than 6 feet) with others persons in the facility for more than 15 minutes at least once a week on a regular basis as determined by the Health Care Facility.
Term Health Care Worker does not include any person who is present at the Health Care Facility for only a short period of time and whose moments of close physical proximity to others on site (for example: deliveries).
Health Care Facility – any institution, building, or agency, or portion of an institution, building, or agency, whether public or private (for-profit or nonprofit), that is used, operated or designed to provide health services, medical treatment or nursing, or rehabilitative or preventative care to any person or persons. This specifically includes dental offices. Please reference the attached Executive Order under Section 2, a. ii for the full listing of health care facilities.
Fully vaccinated against COVID-19 – an individual is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 two weeks after receiving the second dose in a two-dose series of a COVID-19 vaccine authorized for emergency use, licensed, or otherwise approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), or two weeks after receiving a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine authorized for emergency use, licensed, or otherwise approved by the FDA.