The Ministry of Health of Georgia has set new standards for dental clinics, tightening rules for launch and operation of venues across the country.

Since January 1, dental clinics have been required to provide immunisation of employees against hepatitis B and screening against hepatitis C once every six months.

Criteria for infection prevention, control, sterilisation, disinfection and medical waste management have been updated for the facilities, the body said. The rules also require the venues to designate professionals responsible for infection control.

Under the revised regulations, dental institutions are required to meet updated and more detailed criteria for infection prevention, control, sterilization-disinfection, and medical waste management. To streamline these processes, it is now mandatory for each institution to appoint a designated individual responsible for infection control. Furthermore, dental institutions are obliged to provide their employees with prophylactic immunization against hepatitis B and conduct screening for hepatitis C every six months.

Starting in January 2024, existing dental offices and clinics will be obligated to comply with these new requirements. New dental institutions will only be permitted to commence their operations if they meet these enhanced standards. The overarching goal of these changes is to elevate the quality of care and safety in dental services across Georgia.