Monthly Archives: March 2026
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March 11, 2026
Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) is at the heart of safe dental care. While much of the conversation focuses on sterilization, PPE, and operatory protocols, questions often arise about something more everyday: Can we have animals or plants in the dental office?
The answer lies in understanding accessibility laws, IPAC standards, and the principle that everything in the patient care environment must be capable of being cleaned and disinfected.
Animals in the Dental Office
Service animals, such as trained dogs assisting patients with disabilities, are permitted in dental offices under accessibility and inclusion laws. These animals must be allowed entry and cannot be denied access to care.
Emotional support or personal pets, however, are not protected under these laws and are not permitted in dental offices unless they qualify as certified service animals.
That said, staff members sometimes wonder if they can bring
