Jul 16, 2025
Dental School Snapshots: July
This ADA News series shares fun facts about U.S. dental schools.
Jul 16, 2025
This ADA News series shares fun facts about U.S. dental schools.
Jul 14, 2025
Connecticut is defending community water fluoridation, standing in contrast to several states that have recently moved to ban the practice.
Jul 14, 2025
At least 129 people have died and more than 170 remain missing as of July 13 after flash floods swept across the Hill Country on July 4.
Jul 11, 2025
The ADA had received reports of the company reducing payments owed to dentists to recoup overpayments allegedly made to other dentists.
Jul 11, 2025
The ADA sent an Advocacy Update to members July 10 on the implications of President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, H.R. 1.
Jul 11, 2025
ADA News is providing a roundup of government happenings you may have missed this week.
Jul 11, 2025
ADA leaders are emphasizing the evidence-based effectiveness and safety of fluoride supplements in comments submitted o the FDA.
Jul 10, 2025
ADA Board of Trustees pens open letter to membership, providing an update on the Association's finances and association management system
Jul 10, 2025
Researchers at the ADA Forsyth Institute are working to develop advanced drug delivery systems and high-precision dental appliances.
Jul 8, 2025
“Fluoridation Facts” highlights 80 years of research and practical experience that support community water fluoridation.
Jul 7, 2025
I want to assure you loudly and strongly that your American Dental Association is here to help.
Jul 7, 2025
I want to assure you loudly and strongly that your American Dental Association is here to help.
Jul 7, 2025
Community health initiatives have vastly improved the lives of the public with limited cost.
Jul 3, 2025
Jul 3, 2025
ADA News is providing a roundup of government happenings you may have missed this week.
Jul 3, 2025
The index is the only industry benchmarking tool that tracks and reports progress on the adoption of electronic administrative transactions.
Jul 2, 2025
The ADA is raising concerns over a Wisconsin dental insurer’s acquisition of a chain of dental practices.
Jul 2, 2025
Both in-office and home tooth bleaching may maintain the color of treated white-spot lesions over time.
Jul 2, 2025
The committee advises the ADA Council on Dental Practice on issues related to the health and wellness of dentists and dental team members.
Jul 2, 2025
Former brace faces rejoice — a look that may have once been considered “uncool” is now trending among today’s orthodontic patients.
In light of Governor JB Pritzker’s press conference this morning, and subsequent Executive Order, announcing changes to vaccination requirements and face coverings, we wish to keep members apprised of how this impacts the profession of dentistry in Illinois.
In short, the intent of the Governor’s Executive Order, which carries the force of law, appears to be a mandate for all Health Care Workers to be fully vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine. Dental offices and the significant majority of personnel (for example: owners, employees, associates) will meet the definition of a Health Care Worker under this Executive Order.
More detailed information:
Health Care Worker Vaccinations (see definition at bottom)
All Health Care Workers must have the first dose of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine series (for example: Moderna or Pfizer) or a single dose COVID-19 vaccine (for example: Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen) within 10 days of August 26th and then fully vaccinated against COVID-19 within 30 days following administration of the first dose in a two-dose vaccination series. This means the first dose must be received before September 6th and the second dose before October 6th (of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine series).
Proof of Vaccination: Health Care Workers must provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 to the Health Care Facility (this specifically includes dental offices). In terms of a dental office, this would generally mean providing proof to the employer.
Such proof may include:
Testing for COVID-19 (until fully vaccinated)
Health Care Workers who are not yet fully vaccinated against COVID-19 must be tested for COVID-19 weekly, at a minimum. The Health Care Facility (for example: employer) must obtain proof or confirmation from the Health Care Worker of a negative test result until the individual is fully vaccinated by the dates listed above. No-cost testing is available at local health centers and select pharmacies, please click here to locate such a testing site.
Health Care Facilities (again, which include dental offices) shall exclude Health Care Workers who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 from the premises unless they comply with the testing requirements in the interim period.
Exemption: Individuals are exempt from the requirement to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 if they demonstrate they are exempt due to:
Individuals with a medical or religious exemption shall undergo, at a minimum, weekly testing for COVID-19 and provide proof of negative test result to the Health Care Facility.
Face Coverings
Face covering rules will not have changed for dental practices – all individuals entering or working within dental practices are still required to continue wearing a face covering.
Abbreviated Definitions from Executive Order 2021-20 (Executive Order 2021-20):
Health Care Workers – employed by, volunteers for, or is contracted to provide services for a Health Care Facility, or is employed by an entity that is contracted to provide services to a Health Care Facility AND is in close contact (fewer than 6 feet) with others persons in the facility for more than 15 minutes at least once a week on a regular basis as determined by the Health Care Facility.
Term Health Care Worker does not include any person who is present at the Health Care Facility for only a short period of time and whose moments of close physical proximity to others on site (for example: deliveries).
Health Care Facility – any institution, building, or agency, or portion of an institution, building, or agency, whether public or private (for-profit or nonprofit), that is used, operated or designed to provide health services, medical treatment or nursing, or rehabilitative or preventative care to any person or persons. This specifically includes dental offices. Please reference the attached Executive Order under Section 2, a. ii for the full listing of health care facilities.
Fully vaccinated against COVID-19 – an individual is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 two weeks after receiving the second dose in a two-dose series of a COVID-19 vaccine authorized for emergency use, licensed, or otherwise approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), or two weeks after receiving a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine authorized for emergency use, licensed, or otherwise approved by the FDA.