Giving and Getting the COVID-19 Vaccine
BC’s vaccine roll-out continues to gain momentum and a temporary order by the Provincial Health Officer is in place to permit dental hygienists to provide vaccine administration activities. There have been a number of revisions of that order to streamline the education requirements registrants must take in order to be permitted to provide the vaccine. The most current requirements as well as how to sign up to be a vaccine provider can be found on the CDHBC website here. CDHBC remains the point of contact for information related to the giving of the vaccine.
We have also seen a number of opportunities come available province-wide for registrants to get a COVID-19 vaccine. CDHBC is closely monitoring these opportunities and working with the BCDHA to ensure the most current information is provided to dental hygienists as soon as it is available. For more information on getting the vaccine please visit the BCDHA website here.
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Continuing Competency Credit Eligibility for COVID-19 Immunization Training
An Order of the Provincial Health Officer was first issued on February 23, 2021 outlining criteria for regulated and unregulated health professionals, including dental hygienists, to become involved in the COVID-19 immunization campaign if immunization activities are not ordinarily a part of their authorized restricted activities. This Order was replaced by a second Order that was issued on March 14, 2021, and by a third Order that was issued on March 24, 2021. The context for all three Orders is for activities to be performed as part of an immunization program approved by a Medical Health Officer overseeing a geographic area. This is intended to be a temporary provision until the current public health emergency is declared over.
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Aerosol Generating Medical Procedures (AGMPs)
As the vaccines roll-out, we are hopeful that the finish line to the pandemic is in sight. However, we are not there yet. Just this week, we have seen a significant rise in cases and as a result, further restrictions on various activities have been put in place.
Oral health professionals have been diligent throughout the pandemic to ensure clients can access safe care, following the guidance from the regulators, the Provincial Health Officer, the BC Center for Disease Control and Worksafe BC. It is vital that this diligence continue.
The CDHBC would like to take this opportunity to encourage registrants to review the Oral Healthcare During Phases 2 and 3 of the COVID-19 Response Plan guidance document, which continues to be in effect. The CDHBC continues to receive communication from registrants requesting direction related to AGMPs (aerosol generating medical procedures).
The use of all rotary hand pieces and other commonly used armamentarium including ultrasonic and sonic scalers, triplex syringes, air abrasion and air-polishing instruments which generate droplets, spatter, spray and other aerosols, should be kept to a minimum. High-volume suction should be used whenever the creation of droplets, spatter and spray is possible.
Each practice, and each professional within that practice, must consider all the information provided as well as their own circumstances to determine how care can be provided in a manner that will keep patients, themselves and all those within the practice safe.
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Root of the Matter: Frequently Asked Questions
From long-awaited Regulations and Bylaws changes enacted at the end beginning of March, to an unprecedented worldwide pandemic suspending the provision of dental hygiene care, the past year has presented many changes and challenges for dental hygienists in BC.
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Moving?
It is a bylaw requirement that registrants of the College ensure that their contact information is always current on the CDHBC register. Incorrect or out-of-date contact information can lead to missed mailings that may include important notices and documents.
Contact information changes can be done by logging in to your registrant profile, clicking on the “Profile” tab and editing “Your Contact information”. Please contact the College if you require any further assistance at cdhbc@cdhbc.com.
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