Ontario dentists and their employees want to be near the front of the line to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
Ontario Dental Association past-president Dr. LouAnn Visconti of Timmins says heart disease, diabetes and cancer have been scientifically linked to the mouth. That, she says, puts dentists and their staff at great risk right now.
“That is why we have asked for consideration for receiving the vaccine early,” she says, “ so that we can continue to provide that care for our patients during this pandemic.”
(photo submitted)
Visconti notes that dental offices were closed in last spring’s lockdown. But since then, they’ve proven that they can maintain a safe environment, so weren’t ordered closed this time.
“This helps keep those in our community out of hospital emergency rooms and doctor’s offices for dental issues, which is also very important in the fight against the COVID-19 virus.”
The ODA wrote to health minister Christine Elliott last month, asking for early vaccination. It’s still waiting for a reply.