Dental Providers in Some Medicare/Medicaid Settings Must Be Vaccinated Against COVID-19

The United States Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced that all employees of healthcare facilities that accept payment from Medicare and/or Medicaid must be vaccinated against COVID-19 by January 4, 2022. There is no option for testing. The new ruling is expected to impact more than 76,000 healthcare facilities. However, it will only impact dental providers working in facilities such as hospitals, outpatient surgical centers, long-term care facilities and federally qualified health centers. Oral health professionals working in private dental practices that accept Medicaid will not be affected. Employees must receive the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by December 4 and the second by January 4. Employees may apply for a religious or medical exemption. Click here to read more.