What You Need to Know
Georgia dentists: Important changes are now being implemented that affect your Infection Control protocols.
Rule 150-8-.05 Dental Unit Water Quality — was adopted by the Georgia Board of Dentistry and went into effect July 20, 2025.
With recent outbreaks of Mycobacterium Abscessus in Georgia dental offices due to contaminated waterlines, the Georgia Board of Dentistry has adopted a new rule requiring quarterly testing of dental waterlines.
Use water that meets drinking water standards
Offices to use water that meets EPA drinking water standards (≤ 500 CFUs/mL)
Test water at least quarterly
Offices to follow manufacturers’ instructions for use when testing water quality, to test water quality at least quarterly, and to test water quality within 30 days of plumbing modifications
Take remedial action
To take remedial action if an unacceptable level of colony-forming units (CFUs) is identified
Log test results for 5 years
To keep a log for a period of at least 5-years recording dates, the person conducting the tests, and reports from an independent testing entity
Why this matters:
The Georgia Board of Dentistry is highlighting the important need for waterline safety, and is focusing on waterline testing as a critical step. Regular testing enables not only remediation but also the prevention of biofilm buildup, the primary source of hazardous bacteria in dental unit waterlines and instruments, which can ultimately result in failed water tests.
- Board of Dentistry Adopts New Dental Unit Water Quality Rule
- Georgia Board of Dentistry Meeting
- Rule 150-8-.05 Dental Unit Water Quality
- Rule 150-3-.09 Requirements for Continuing Education for Dentists
- Why Safe Water Matters
Take Action Now
1
Review and Update Protocols
Review and update your current dental water safety protocols with your staff to comply with the new rule.
2
Setup Testing Schedule
Set up your testing schedule and staff assignments to include Quarterly testing.
3
Order
Essentials
Be prepared with the essentials for your waterlines: testing kits, shock for remediation, and effective daily treatment.
Order Today
Need assistance in getting compliant?
We’re here to help you meet these new requirements. Sterisil® products from Solmetex® make water safety simple and reliable. For testing, maintenance and shock, our products and protocol make successful compliance easier and more reliable. Sterisil has the only complete testing and maintenance solution. Let us help you pass more waterline tests, consistently.
Have Questions? Our Sterisil® Water Safety Specialists are here to support. Call 877-207-1551, Option 1, or email SterisilSupport@Solmetex.com.
Ready to learn more? – Check out these on-demand webinars and resources!
The Importance of Dental Unit Waterline Management: A Clinician’s Guide
A leading infection control expert with over 20 years in dentistry, Michelle Strange, MSDH, RDH, brings her extensive expertise to help practices navigate Georgia’s new waterline requirements while ensuring optimal patient protection.
[Recorded Feb 6, 2025]
Watch this informative webinar replay at your convenience!
Checking in on Waterline Testing Regulations: How Are You Doing with Compliance? A Clinician’s Guide.
Join Sherrie Busby, EDDA, CDSO, CDIPC for a complimentary webinar on the latest waterline testing regulations. Sherrie is an experienced dental assistant training developer and OSHA coordinator for Heartland Dental. She provides information and training on dental software, documentation guidelines, and clinical techniques.
[Recorded Feb 13, 2025]
Watch this informative webinar replay at your convenience!
View more educational content on the Dental Water Safety page.
Shop the products that simplify dental
water quality compliance
Test
FASTCheck15®
15 minute in-office test strips
- Fast, reliable, real-time results
- Quickly validate water quality and take action immediately
Sterisil R2A
Mail-in waterline lab test
- Precise waterline test
- Easiest testing protocol
- Online documentation and tracking
Shock
Citrisil® Shock
Cleans and maintains waterlines to ≤10 CFU/mL
- Shock treatments that ensure peak safety levels
- No straw changes or dummy straws when shocking when used with Sterisil straws
Maintain
Sterisil® Straws
Set it and forget it – no daily maintenance required
- 365 day continuous waterline treatment
- No need to empty bottles and purge lines at the end of each day