Christine Macarelli, RDH, MS, is an assistant adjunct professor in the Health Sciences Department at New York City College of Technology, where she teaches safety for health professions. Her areas of interest include treating medically compromised patients, vaccines and immunizations, and teaching methodology for dental hygiene education. Macarelli can be reached at:christine.macarelli25@citytech.cuny.edu.
In light of declining vaccination rates, oral health professionals need to be knowledgeable about current vaccine recommendations so they can best advise their patients and support public health.
Dental hygienists need to be familiar with vaccination recommendations in order to protect themselves from exposure to infectious diseases and educate patients about the importance of immunizations.