North Carolina Administrative Code
Title 21 - OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
Chapter 16 - DENTAL EXAMINERS
Subchapter J - SANITATION, STERILIZATION, AND INFECTION CONTROL
Section 16J .0101 - PREMISES

(a) The premises of a dental facility shall be kept free of rubbish and any substances that create a hazard, as follows:

(b) The premises shall be kept free of all insects and vermin.

(c) Water shall be piped under pressure to all equipment and fixtures where the use of water is required. The water supply shall meet the requirements in 15A NCAC 18A .1700 or 15A NCAC 18C, which are incorporated by reference, including subsequent amendments.

(d) All plumbing shall comply with applicable local plumbing ordinances and with the North Carolina State Plumbing Code, which is incorporated by reference, including subsequent amendments and editions, and is available at no cost online at https://www.ncosfm.gov/codes/codes-current-and-past.

(e) Comfortable and sanitary conditions for patients and employees shall be maintained at all times, as follows:

(f) All liquid and human waste, including floor wash water, shall be disposed of through trapped drains into a public sanitary sewer system in localities where such system is available. In localities where a public sanitary system is not available, liquid and human waste shall be disposed of in accordance with 15A NCAC 18A .1300 and 15A NCAC 18C.

(g) There shall be functioning toilet facilities on the premises of every dental office. The toilet facilities and fixtures shall be kept clean and in good repair, and shall conform to standards set out in 15A NCAC 18A .1300.

(h) No animals shall be allowed in any area of a dental office where clinical work is being performed, except service animals in accordance with G.S. 168-4.2 and the Americans with Disabilities Act, or certified facility dogs. For purposes of this Rule, a "certified facility dog" shall be defined as a dog that is trained and certified by a program that is accredited by or a member of Assistance Dogs International, Animal Assisted Intervention International, or a similar organization whose purpose is to promote standards of training, placement, and utilization of assistance dogs (an "assistance dog program"). While in the dental office, the facility dog shall be handled by a dentist, dental hygienist, dental assistant, or other employee designated by the dentist who is trained and certified by an assistance dog program.

(i) For purposes of this Rule, "clean" means washed and free from dirt, grime, bodily fluids or tissue, foreign material, or unwanted matter. "Good repair" means capable of being cleaned and used for its intended purpose in a safe manner.