Up Your Knowledge on Dental Unit Waterline Treatment

Appropriate methods to control biofilm formation and monitor water quality must be implemented to safeguard patients. Read on to evaluate how much you know about dental unit waterline treatment.

By The Editors On Oct 17, 2018

Exposure to poor water quality can pose health risks for patients during treatment, as well as clinicians due to aerosol exposures.

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The CDC recommends that dental unit waterlines adhere to the same standards for safe drinking water as set forth by the EPA of less than or equal to 5,000 CFU per milliliter.

RichLegg/E+

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False

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Simply using bottled water, distilled water, or sterile water is effective in preventing biofilm formation in dental water tubing.

danielsbfoto/iStock / Getty Images Plus

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False

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The CDC states that water-bottle systems alone are not sufficient and should be combined with commercial products and devices that can improve the quality of water used in routine dental treatment.

isabella antonelli/iStock / Getty Images Plus

True

False

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Any sterile water/coolant system marketed to improve dental unit water quality must be cleared by the FDA.

Wicki58/iStock / Getty Images Plus

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False

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The CDC recommends discharging water and air from dental devices that are connected to the system and that enter the patient’s mouth for a minimum of 2 to 3 seconds after each patient.

AGEphotography/iStock / Getty Images Plus

True

False

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Training of oral health professionals in site-specific dental unit waterline protocols and monitoring compliance are critical to effective infection control protocol.

Steve Debenport/E+

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False

Correct! Wrong!

Up Your Knowledge on Dental Unit Waterline Treatment

Congrats!

Congrats! You understand the ins and outs of dental unit waterline treatment. Get out there and put your know-how to good use!

Well done!

Well done! You’ve got the basics, but there’s more to learn. Continue to study the latest in dental unit waterline treatment to better serve your patients. You got this!

Not bad!

Not bad, but there’s room to grow when it comes to understanding dental unit waterline safety. Consider reading more about this critical facet of infection control. Good luck!

Up Your Knowledge on Dental Unit Waterline Treatment

Exposure to poor water quality can pose health risks for patients during treatment, as well as clinicians due to aerosol exposures.

The CDC recommends that dental unit waterlines adhere to the same standards for safe drinking water as set forth by the EPA of less than or equal to 5,000 CFU per milliliter.

Simply using bottled water, distilled water, or sterile water is effective in preventing biofilm formation in dental water tubing.

The CDC states that water-bottle systems alone are not sufficient and should be combined with commercial products and devices that can improve the quality of water used in routine dental treatment.

Any sterile water/coolant system marketed to improve dental unit water quality must be cleared by the FDA.

The CDC recommends discharging water and air from dental devices that are connected to the system and that enter the patient’s mouth for a minimum of 2 to 3 seconds after each patient.

Training of oral health professionals in site-specific dental unit waterline protocols and monitoring compliance are critical to effective infection control protocol.

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