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Council advances updated infection‑control regulations and asks Dental Hygiene Board for concurrence
Summary
The Dental Assisting Council voted May 14, 2025, to forward an updated infection‑control regulatory package (CCR Title 16 §1005) to the Dental Board and request concurrence from the Dental Hygiene Board of California, opening the formal rulemaking process.
The Dental Assisting Council voted on May 14, 2025, to recommend the Board approve proposed regulatory text updating California Code of Regulations, Title 16, section 1005 (minimum standards of infection control) and to submit the package to the Dental Hygiene Board of California and the Department of Consumer Affairs for review.
Board staff and the Dental Hygiene Board worked with a multi‑stakeholder working group to revise infection‑control regulation language that staff described as the most important regulation the board will update given public safety concerns. The proposed package incorporates detailed updates on personal protective equipment, sterilization and monitoring practices, dental unit waterline management, and training documentation.
Several stakeholders who spoke during public comment supported moving the package forward to begin the public comment/regulatory process but requested specific wording clarifications. Requests included: removing an option that requires only washing protective eyewear with soap and water instead of cleaning+disinfecting; ensuring consistency in wording about cleaning, disinfecting and sterilizing utility gloves; clarifying internal vs. external sterilization indicators so reviewers do not interpret the rule to require duplicate indicators; changing a provision to flush dental unit water lines before (not after) each patient; and adding a reasonable periodic review schedule (stakeholders suggested every two years rather than annual review).
Regulations counsel advised the council to move the text forward because the formal 45‑day public comment period will allow stakeholders to submit written edits and staff can reconcile them with the Dental Hygiene Board during the rulemaking timeline. The council approved a motion (Option 1) to recommend the regulatory text in attachment 2 and to authorize staff to submit the package, make non‑substantial changes during the process and take necessary steps to initiate rulemaking if no adverse comments are received.
The motion passed on roll call. Board staff said they will accept written suggested edits during the public comment period, resolve technical wording with the Dental Hygiene Board and regulatory counsel, and incorporate appropriate non‑substantial changes before hearing and adoption steps.
