14 September 2021 - - In the face of surging infections by the delta variant, the American Dental Education Association is now calling on its member institutions and programs to require COVID-19 vaccinations for their faculty, staff, students and residents.

According to the organization, the well-being of oral health professionals who provide oral health care and educate future dental professionals is a top priority for ADEA, which believes that the oral health community must continue to set a positive example when it comes to vaccinations.

ADEA's statement comes in the wake of an Executive Order requiring COVID-19 vaccinations for federal employees.

Additionally, a Joint Statement issued by the American Public Health Association and more than four dozen other health care organizations calls for all health care and long-term care employers to require their employees to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more detail on the COVID-19 vaccines and their effectiveness in reducing transmission of the coronavirus.

The American Dental Education Association is The Voice of Dental Education.

Its mission is to lead and support the health professions community in preparing future-ready oral health professionals.

ADEA members include all 78 US and Canadian dental schools, more than 800 allied and advanced dental education programs, more than 50 corporations and approximately 18,000 individuals.