AwDA Rules: Offices Must Allow Service Animals – Dental Regulations

Dental offices must permit people with disabilities to bring their service animals onto their premises. The federal Americans with Disability Act (AwDA) defines service animals as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities.

Under the AwDA, all businesses must permit service animals to accompany people with disabilities in all areas where members of the public are allowed to go. Offices cannot treat individuals with service dogs less favorably from other patients, such as charging extra fees or isolating the service animals.

Fear of animals and/or allergies are not valid reasons for refusing the animals entry into the office. Only under special circumstances can the office have a service dog removed from premises: The dog is out of control and the animal’s owner is unable to control it or the animal poses a threat to the health or safety of others.

For more information, click AwDA Rules: Offices Must Allow Service Animals.

Since 1992, OSHA Review, Inc. has provided dental professionals with comprehensive programs to support regulatory compliance and infection control. We are a registered dental continuing education provider in the state of California, specializing in Dental Practice Act, infection control, and OSHA training.