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This website publishes administrative rules on their effective dates, as designated by the adopting state agencies, colleges, and universities.

Rule 4715-20-01 | Patient and personnel protection.

 

(A) Immunization - All dentists and dental health care workers must show evidence of immunity to or immunization against the hepatitis B virus as specified by board guidelines. Such immunization must begin prior to patient contact. Medical documentation must be maintained in the dental facility for each dentist and dental health care worker providing care in that facility. This medical documentation must be made available immediately upon request by an authorized agent of the state dental board.

(B) Hand hygiene:

(1) Hand hygiene methods and indications as recommended in table 2 of the United States department of health and human services, Centers for disease control and prevention's "Guidelines for infection control in Dental Health-Care Settings - 2003" must be utilized at all times, including, but not limited to:

(a) Before and/or after patient contact;

(b) Before glove placement and after glove removal;

(c) After touching inanimate objects likely to be contaminated by blood, saliva, or body fluids;

(d) Before leaving the dental operatory or laboratory;

(e) After removing gloves that are torn, cut or punctured; and

(f) When hands are visibly soiled.

(2) Reference materials for paragraph (B)(1) of this rule may be found at the centers for disease control and prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd., Atlanta, GA 30333, U.S.A.; telephone: (404) 639-3311; public inquiries: (404) 639-3534 / (800) 311-3435; internet website address: www.cdc.gov.

(C) Barrier techniques:

(1) Gloves - All dentists and dental health care workers must wear disposable gloves whenever placing their fingers into the mouth of a patient, or when handling blood/saliva contaminated items, instruments and equipment. Disposable gloves shall not be washed and/or reused for any purpose. Overgloving between patients is not permitted.

(2) Face protection - Chin length face shields, or masks and eyewear with protective side shields must be worn by dentists and dental health care workers when spattering of blood or other body fluids is likely.

(D) Waiver - The board may waive the requirements set forth in paragraph (A) of this rule if the board determines that such waiver is justified based on medical documentation indicating that such immunization threatens their health and well being. Any board-approved waiver must be renewed according to the discretion of the board.

Last updated September 8, 2023 at 2:51 PM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 4715.03
Amplifies: 4715.30
Five Year Review Date: 10/1/2026
Prior Effective Dates: 11/1/1987, 7/25/1993, 4/7/2000, 4/7/2005