Are You Making Your Patients Sick?
by Terri Walker
While most patients and dental team members aim to keep patients comfortable during their visit, the paramount concern remains whether the patient will experience illness from their dental treatment.
In 1969, GC Blake discovered the connection between bacteria in waterlines and infections. Even after six decades of awareness, it’s disheartening that 20-30% of dental offices still do not adhere to established testing protocols or maintenance practices.
Research reveals that while average pond water harbors approximately 100,000 CFU/ml (colony-forming units per milliliter), some dental unit waterlines (DUWL) exhibit similarly alarming bacterial counts. The EPA mandates that DUWL should be maintained at levels below 500 CFU/ml.
Every office should have a written Protocol for Testing and Maintaining Dental Unit Waterlines, accompanied by precise documentation of each completed task.
- Testing:
a. Each waterline must be tested to ensure bacterial counts meet the current standard of less than 500 CFU/ml. Initial testing is performed monthly until two consecutive months show passing results, after which testing is done quarterly.
b. If the waterlines pass the first test, proceed with a maintenance treatment using available products in liquid, tablet form, or cartridges.
c. If the waterlines fail, shock them to diminish bacterial presence and remove the unit from patient care until passing results are achieved.
- Shocking the Waterlines: This process efficiently eradicates biofilm and bacteria.
a. Select a shocking product that suits your office’s particular needs. These products are available in various forms, including liquid, tablets, and cartridges.
b. Adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions for shocking the dental unit waterlines.
c. After shocking, allow at least five days before retesting (as advised by Solmetex).
- Maintaining Waterlines: The regular use of a dental unit waterline maintenance product is essential.
a. Flush all the waterlines for two minutes each morning and conduct a 20-30 second flush between patient appointments.
b. These maintenance products are also available in tablet or liquid form, along with cartridges.
- Documentation: Keeping meticulous records of maintenance, test results, remediation efforts, and training related to waterline care for three years is crucial.
By embracing these protocols, your dental practice can pave the way for a safer environment, fostering trust and well-being for both patients and team members.
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