Feb. 1, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Majority of dentists eager to help deliver COVID-19 vaccines

Bedford, NS – Dentists in Nova Scotia want to help the province deliver COVID-19 vaccines when mass public vaccinations take place. The Nova Scotia Dental Association recently surveyed its members where so far 88 per cent of respondents indicated their willingness to take part in giving the vaccine.

“Dentists are well-positioned to help give the vaccine,” said Dr. Chad Avery, president of the Nova Scotia Dental Association. “They are highly-trained health professionals, experts in infection control, accustomed to PPE, and regularly provide injections as part of delivering dental care.”

Well-versed in not only the physical act of giving a needle, dentists are skilled in establishing trust, patient rapport and calming jittery nerves. They are also trained to recognize the physical signs of possible adverse reactions, for example if someone is likely to faint.

“We’re used to dealing with the emotional side of this — building good relationships with our patients, and in addition to our clinical skills, I think those skills will translate well into helping with the vaccination effort,” said Dr. Avery.

The association has communicated with government and has offered the assistance of the profession in delivering the COVID-19 vaccine. The Dalhousie University Faculty of Dentistry has also expressed its willingness to work with the NSDA to support these efforts.

“Dentists care about their patients’ overall health as well as their oral health,” said Dr. Avery. “We’re part of the health-care team, proud to serve our communities, and happy to contribute to them in any way possible.”

“We’re grateful for our patients’ continued trust and loyalty during the pandemic. If Nova Scotians need our help with the vaccine rollout, and we are asked, and able to help, we will be there.”

About the Nova Scotia Dental Association
The Nova Scotia Dental Association (NSDA) is a member-based organization serving the needs of more than 500 dentist members across the province. As a not-for-profit organization, the NSDA has been the voice for dentistry in Nova Scotia since 1891. Our mission is dentists helping dentists.

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Media Contact:
Gill Costello
Communications Manager
Nova Scotia Dental Association
902-420-0088 ext. 2
communications.nsda@bellaliant.com