New Rules for Dental Water Quality in Georgia
Effective April 1st, 2025, Dental practices across Georgia will be required adhere to the new Georgia State Board of Dentistry Rule 150-8-.05 regarding dental unit water quality.
This rule is designed to ensure patient safety by setting standards for the water used in nonsurgical procedures. Here, we’ll break down what this rule means for your practice and how Agenics Labs can help you stay compliant.
GDA News: Board of Dentistry Issues Notice of Intent to Adopt Dental Unit Water Quality Rule
Understanding Rule 150-8-.05
The Georgia Board of Dentistry announced its notice of intent to adopt the rule on December 9, 2024. A final vote to adopt the rule took place on February 7th and passed. Pending the Governor’s signature, the new requirements will be made effective on April 1st. As currently written, the rule mandates that dental practices:
Maintain Water Quality Standards:
Water used in nonsurgical procedures must meet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards for drinking water, which is 500 or fewer colony-forming units (CFUs) per milliliter.
Routine Water Testing:
All dental unit water lines must be tested every quarter.
Water lines can be tested individually or pooled into a single sample (up to 10 lines per pooled sample), provided pooling details are documented.
Test After Repairs or Changes:
Any changes to plumbing or repairs to the water system must be followed by testing within 30 days.
Respond to Failures:
If CFU levels exceed 500, immediate remedial action is required to bring water quality back into compliance.
Maintain Records for Five Years:
Practices must log testing dates, personnel conducting tests, and reports from independent testing entities.
Why Is This New Rule Important?
If left unaddressed, dental unit waterlines (DUWLs) can become contaminated with bacteria and biofilms. Several factors make DUWLs ideal breeding grounds for heterotrophic bacteria such as small diameter tubing, periods of stagnation at room temperature, and the use of source water that often contains plenty of organic sustenance that the bacteria thrives on. To further complicate matters, these fast growing bacteria can begin to form biofilm within a matter of days, perpetuating a cycle of new bacteria being released into the water.
In the past decade, four outbreaks linked to poor waterline maintenance have led to over 100 probable cases of mycobacterium abscessus, predominantly in pediatric patients. Aerosols generated during procedures, which can remain suspended in the air for extended periods of time, can carry the bacteria in waterlines, also posing a risk to dental clinicians. And while several shock and treatment products exist, many variables such as source water chemistry and protocol lapses significantly impact the success rate of these products.
The only way to know that a dental unit waterline cleaning regimen is effective is to test the water coming out of the unit. - American Dental Association (ADA)
By requiring documented quarterly testing, the new Georgia Dental Rule puts a focus on results while allowing dental practices the flexibility to find a protocol tailored to their needs. Whether you need testing products with clear recorded results or help developing a waterline management system that gets your office into compliance, Agenics is here to assist.
The Most Extensive Offering of Test Options
Agenics Labs is your trusted partner for dental unit water testing. We offer three easy-to-use, mail-in testing solutions to help your practice meet the new requirements. Every test includes a certified lab report accessible any time in your online customer portal. Every Agenics test product is offered in a Annual Kit to simplify quarterly testing compliance while offering financial savings. Explore the products below to find your perfect protocol fit.
RapidCheck™
Precision and speed redefined with advanced flow cytometry testing.
SimCheck™
Our fastest EPA validated method.
MyCheck™
Affordable monitoring for routine checks in-between lab tests.
StandardCheck™
The industry’s ‘gold standard’ R2A test.
How Agenics Labs Simplifies Compliance
Thorough Documentation
We deliver clear, data-rich reports to help you identify and address any water quality issues promptly. All results are provided in a validated report accessible 24/7 via our online portal.
Trusted Expertise
Agenics Labs is a leading provider of dental unit water testing solutions nationwide. With over a decade of experience processing dental waterline samples, our support team will work with you and your results, ensuring effective waterline protocols are in place to help keep your practice in compliance and operating smoothly.
Resources and Support
Staying compliant doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Agenics Labs helps provide the structure and expertise to make water quality testing easy and effective.
Protect Your Patients and Your Practice
Compliance with Rule 150-8-.05 isn’t just about meeting regulations; it’s about safeguarding your patients and maintaining your reputation. Agenics Labs is here to support you every step of the way with reliable testing solutions and exceptional service.
Need Help?
Let’s work together to ensure your practice stays safe, compliant, and thriving!
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