Immunization Information for Dentists

In 2019, Governor Kate Brown signed legislation allowing Oregon licensed dentists to administer vaccines after completing Board-approved required training and following relevant rules to administer vaccinations safely. The Oregon Administrative Rule for dental administration of vaccine, OAR 410-123-1262, also includes vaccination reporting requirements:

• Using the routine immunization schedules published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, available for children and adults.
• Follow Oregon Health Authority (OHA) approved Model Standing Orders for vaccine administration and treatment of adverse events.
• Provide a copy of the current Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) to the patient or their representative for each vaccine administered. Links to instructions and translations are available here.
• Report adverse events to the federal Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System (VAERS).
• Oregon administrative rules also require reporting adverse events to the Oregon Board of Dentistry within 10 business days.
• Report vaccine administration to the ALERT Immunization Information System (IIS) within 14 days.
• Immunization Reporting for Oregon Dentists - A Guide to Getting Started

Vaccine Storage and Handling and Administration

• Immunization Administration for Oregon Dentists - A Quick-Start Guide
• Vaccine Administration Resource Library (CDC)
• You Call the Shots - An interactive, web-based immunization training course from the CDC. Starting with the following modules is recommended. While these training are CME-eligible, users can scroll past the CME instructions to the "Continue" link at the bottow to view each module.
• Understanding the Basics: General Best Practice Guidelines on Immunization
• Vaccine Administration
• Vaccine Storage and Handling
• Oregon Model Standing Orders

COVID-19 Vaccine

Dentists are being asked to participate in COVID-19 immunization efforts by enrolling to become COVID-19 vaccine providers. The COVID-19 Healthcare Partner page has information about enrolling. Select the "Vaccine Planning" box under the orange line for more details, including information about the process and requirements.

Vaccine for Children Program (VFC)

A dental practice interested in vaccinating may also wish to participate in the Vaccines for Children program (VFC), which supplies federally purchased vaccines to participating health care providers at no cost, for immunizing eligible children through age 18. If your clinic wishes to enroll in VFC contact the VFC Helpdesk at 971-673-4VFC (4832) or vfc.help@dhsoha.state.or.us to begin the enrollment process.

Purchasing Vaccine

Vaccine can be ordered directly from various vaccine manufacturers, or through pharmaceutical distribution companies. Some manufacturers may refer you to a distributor.