Ensure the Safety of Dental Treatment Water

By Eve J. Cuny, BA, MS and Kathy J. Eklund, RDH, MHP

Dentistry has long been on a quest for best infection control practices regarding dental unit waterline (DUWL) treatment in order to maintain safety. Exposure to poor water quality can pose health risks for patients during treatment, as well as clinicians due to aerosol exposures. Noted most recently, two pediatric dental clinics experienced multiple outbreaks of Mycobacterium abscessus found in their DUWLs. This article reviews biofilm formation in DUWL tubing, minimum standards for safety, and various methods for DUWL treatment.

* References can be found in the original article via the link below.
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