Are Oklahoma Dental Offices Required to Perform Spore Testing? Yes — in practice. Oklahoma's own regulatory text is notably vague: Oklahoma Administrative Code (OAC) 195:35-1-3(c) requires only that "sterilization equipment and its adequacy shall be tested and verified on a…
Are Maryland Dental Offices Required to Perform Spore Testing? Yes. Maryland dental offices are required to perform biological spore testing under COMAR 10.44.36.05 — the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners' new Private Dental Offices—Infection Control regulation, effective January 19,…
Are Colorado Dental Offices Required to Perform Spore Testing? Yes. Colorado dental offices are required to perform biological monitoring (spore testing) of all heat sterilizing devices under 3 CCR 709-1.16 — the infection control rule of the Colorado Dental Board…
Are Virginia Dental Offices Required to Perform Spore Testing? Yes. Virginia dental offices are required to perform weekly biological monitoring (spore testing) of all sterilizers under the Virginia Board of Dentistry’s infection control standards. Spore testing is one of three…
If your dental practice is in New Jersey, weekly spore testing is a compliance requirement—not a suggestion. The New Jersey Board of Dentistry mandates that all licensees follow CDC infection control guidelines under N.J.A.C. 13:30-8.5, and New Jersey’s ambulatory care…
Are North Carolina Dental Offices Required to Perform Spore Testing? Yes. North Carolina dental offices are legally required to perform weekly biological monitoring (spore testing) of all sterilizers — and the requirement is directly enforceable under state administrative law. Spore…
What Pennsylvania Actually Requires — and Where the Requirement Lives The Pennsylvania dental spore testing requirements are often described as vague. They are not. The State Board of Dentistry's unprofessional conduct rule makes it a disciplinary offense to fail to…
Dental surface disinfection is one of the most important parts of infection control, but it is also one of the most misunderstood. In many offices, products are used quickly, surfaces are wiped too soon, or staff members assume cleaning and…
What Georgia Actually Requires — and Where the Requirement Lives The Georgia dental spore testing requirements work differently from most states. Search the Georgia Board of Dentistry's rules for a testing interval and you will not find one. There is…
Dental Bytes – March 2026 features timely articles for dental professionals on oral health awareness, HIPAA security, infection control, nutrition guidance, and industry updates.
