21 NCAC 16J .0103          STERILIZATION AND INFECTION CONTROL

(a)  All instruments or equipment used in the treatment of dental patients shall be sterilized according to manufacturer specifications.

(b)  All settings in which licensees engage in the practice of dentistry or dental hygiene ("dental settings") shall comply with the recommendations and guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ("CDC") for infection prevention and control directed at or applicable to dental settings. The CDC recommendations and guidelines are incorporated by reference, including subsequent amendments and editions, and are available at no cost online at https://www.cdc.gov.

(c)  All licensees are responsible for utilizing and maintaining sterilization and infection control techniques and precautions as required by this Rule to prevent the cross contamination and transmission of infection to all persons.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 90-41(a)(23); 90-48; 90-233(a5);

Eff. September 3, 1976;

Readopted Eff. September 26, 1977;

Amended Eff. February 1, 2008; May 1, 1991;

Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. January 9, 2018;

Amended Eff. June 1, 2021.