Georgia Dental Water Quality Rule 150-8-.05: The Essential Guide

Bacterial infections in the form of Mycobacterium abscessus complex (MABC) via contaminated dental unit waterlines have been on the rise for decades–and as recent cases began to surface in Georgia, the Georgia Dental Association (GDA) was quick to propose formal regulations ensuring dental unit water quality. Thus, the Georgia Dental Unit Water Quality Rule was born.

The GDA issued a notice of intent to adopt new rule 150-8-.05 on December 9, 2024, and it was officially adopted as of February 7, 2025. The effective date will be moved from being retroactive to January 1, 2025 to effective pending governor signing.

But what does this mean for Georgian dental offices? We have the answers to all your questions, complete with full context, strategies for success, and educational opportunities.

What Are the New Dental Unit Waterline Regulations?

It’s important to know that Georgia is not alone. Two other states have adopted similar regulations: California and Washington. Georgia’s new rule is very similar to Washington’s in that the focus is on testing the water in your dental unit waterlines. These are the four main requirements to the Georgia rule:

1. Water Quality Standards: Ensure water used in the office meets EPA drinking water standards (≤ 500 CFUs/mL) for nonsurgical dental procedures.
2. Testing Requirements:
3. Follow manufacturers’ instructions when testing water quality.
4. Test water quality at least quarterly.
5. Test water quality within 30 days of any plumbing modifications.

3. Remedial Action: Take immediate action if water quality tests show unacceptable levels of colony-forming units (CFUs).
4. Record Keeping: Maintain a log for at least 5 years, documenting test dates, the person conducting the tests, and reports from an independent testing entity.

These regulations may seem overwhelming at first, but they’re easier to comply with than they seem. Plus, you’ll quickly see how much more efficient your practice will operate when you can promise quality water. Let’s take a look at the national conversation for some context.

Why Do We Need a Dental Water Quality Rule?

While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have provided guidelines for dental unit waterlines, it’s understandable that the daily demands of a dental practice can sometimes overshadow water quality considerations. Many might assume that if tap water is safe to drink, it’s also safe for dental procedures.

However, dental care requires the highest quality of water to prevent infections. MABC bacterial infections can occur when contaminated dental unit waterlines are used during procedures involving open wounds, such as filling cavities.

Infection control might not always receive comprehensive coverage in dental school, making it challenging for dentists to learn proper procedures before encountering real-world situations. This rule aims to spread awareness and establish prevention benchmarks, helping dentists ensure the safety and health of their patients.

Impact of the Georgia Dental Water Quality Rule on GA Practices

Many dentists have been actively engaged in the national conversation around dental water quality, which means the new rule may not significantly impact the daily costs or operations of your practice. The extent of the changes required depends on the current compliance of your practice with the existing regulations.

For many practices, this will involve minor adjustments to current water quality testing methods to meet the new standards. Fortunately, the financial impact is minimal. The Georgia Dental Association (GDA) notes that the cost of testing and maintaining a log is estimated to be around an additional $550 annually in most cases (2024).

Future Management of Dental Unit Waterline Quality

Even if you’ve been practicing proper testing and maintenance, complying with a new law can be scary–especially when it directly correlates to the health and well-being of your patients. One of the most important things to remember about these regulations is that water that’s safe at the source doesn’t guarantee it’s safe at the dental chair. Continuous maintenance and monitoring is key to a healthy practice.

Comprehensive SAFEWater Solution for Dental Practices

We developed a complete solution that complies with both general CDC guidelines and the new regulations in Georgia. We call it the SAFEWater Solution because that’s exactly what it is–the comprehensive solution for safe water. We’ve broken down the clean water process into four steps:

1. Monthly: Run an in-office water test
2. Quarterly: Run a mail-in waterline lab test
3. Annually: Replace your straw (dental microbial cartridge)
4. After Every Test: Shock your water

Solmetex has developed an online portal, complete with logging and monitoring information, the option to opt-in to product subscriptions so you never miss a step, and real-time customer support and product training from Certified Water Specialists.

A new dental water quality rule doesn’t have to be scary, time-consuming, or complex. We designed this solution to do the work for you, not the other way around.

Solmetex Support for Dental Unit Waterline Quality

Continuing Education Opportunities

In Georgia, dentists are required to complete 40 hours of continuing education every two years, while dental hygienists must complete 22 hours, in accordance with Rule 150-3-.09 and Rule 150-5-.05.

The new regulations do not increase the total number of required hours but mandate that two of those hours focus on infection control, and one hour on dental unit waterline safety. Importantly, these infection control hours are in addition to OSHA requirements.

Solmetex is excited to offer exclusive in-person 2-hour CE credit courses for GDA members from February through May, designed to help fulfill the Georgia hygienist CE requirements. We were thrilled to see strong attendance at the first course in the series, a webinar led by Marie Fluent, and are proud to continue supporting GDA members with the upcoming courses:

• March 14^th – Dr. Marie Fluent
• April 17^th – Dr. David Reznik
• May 2^nd – Dr. Marie Fluent
• May 30^th – Linda Harvey

For those navigating legal compliance, we recognize the importance of exploring every detail. Visual learners can benefit from our videos and tutorials, while the extra-curious are invited to dive into our Water Matters Blog. For specific queries, our comprehensive FAQ section serves as a valuable resource.

For technical product training, water safety compliance information, water consultations, or to see which regulations are active in your state, visit us here.

Our Water Safety Specialists are here to Support

Our Water Safety Specialists are ready to support with ensuring your practice is set-up for success with the SAFEWater Solution protocol (Test, Shock and Maintain). They can also discuss current promotions that are exclusively available to you.

Contact our Water Safety Specialists at: (877) 207-1551

Achieve Dental Excellence Through Water Quality Compliance

Staying compliant with the new Georgia Dental Water Quality Rule is essential for maintaining the highest standards of patient safety and care. By understanding the regulations, adapting your practices, and utilizing comprehensive solutions like the SAFEWater Solution, you can ensure that your dental unit waterlines meet quality standards and prevent infections.

Proactive waterline management not only protects your patients but also enhances the efficiency and reputation of your practice. With support from organizations like Solmetex and access to educational opportunities, compliance becomes straightforward and achievable.

Citations

California Legislative Information. (2018, September 24). Senate Bill No. 1491. California Legislative Information. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=201720180SB1491

CDC. (2024, April 15). About Mycobacterium abscessus. CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/nontuberculous-mycobacteria/about/mycobacterium-abscessus.html

CDC. (2024, May 15). Dental Unit Water Quality. CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/dental-infection-control/hcp/summary/dental-unit-water-quality.html

EPA. (Last Updated 2024, December 10). Drinking Water Regulations. EPA. https://www.epa.gov/dwreginfo/drinking-water-regulations

Georgia Board of Dentistry. (2024, December 9). Notice of Intent to Adopt New Rule of the Georgia Board of Dentistry Rule 150-8-.05 Dental Unit Water Quality. Georgia Board of Dentistry. https://www.gadental.org/docs/stategageorgialibraries/2025/notice-of-intent-to-adopt-rule-150-8–05.pdf?sfvrsn=959c0fe1_1

NDDS. (2024, December 20). Board of Dentistry Issues Notice of Intent to Adopt Dental Unit Water Quality Rule. NDDS. https://www.ndds.org/advocacy/legislative-insider/2024/12/20/board-of-dentistry-issues-notice-of-intent-to-adopt-dental-unit-water-quality-rule

Office of the Secretary of State of Georgia. (2025, January 16). Rule 150-5-.05. Requirements for Continuing Education for Dental Hygienists. Fastcase, Inc. https://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/150-5-.05

Thimmes, K. (2024, February 22). New CE requirements for Georgia Dental License. SafeLink Consulting, Inc. https://info.safelinkconsulting.com/blog/ce-requirements-for-georgia-dental-license 

Washington State Legislature. (2021, January 23). WAC 246-817-660. Washington State Legislature. https://app.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=246-817-660