New Jersey State Board of Dentistry

On February 19, 2021, the Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs issued Administrative Order 2021-07 and Waiver 2021-03, which permits authorized health care personnel to administer a COVID-19 vaccine to patients upon direction from a supervising health care practitioner.  The Order and Waiver defines “authorized health care personnel” as “licensed practical nurses, certified homemaker home health aides, dentists, respiratory care therapists, perfusionists, podiatrists, optometrists, physical therapists, athletic trainers, and dental hygienists with local anesthesia permits.”  A “supervising health care practitioner” is defined as “a doctor of medicine (M.D.), a doctor of osteopathic medicine (D.O.), a registered professional nurse (R.P.N.), an advanced practice nurse (A.P.N.), a physician assistant (P.A.), or a pharmacist (R.Ph.).” The Order and Wavier requires a supervising health care practitioner to determine if authorized health care personnel are licensed in New Jersey and have been trained and are competent to administer a COVID-19 vaccine prior to directing authorized health care personnel to administer the vaccine. 

Dentists and dental hygenists should read and familiarize themselves with the provisions of this order.