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Dental Unit Waterlines (DUWL)

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Overview 

Biofilm is a thin, slimy film of bacteria that sticks to moist surfaces, such as those inside dental unit waterlines. Biofilm occurs in dental unit waterlines because of the long, small-diameter tubing and low flow rates used in dentistry, the frequent periods of stagnation, and the potential for retraction of oral fluids. As a result, high numbers of common water bacteria can be found in untreated dental unit water systems. A few disease-causing microorganisms found in untreated dental unit water include Legionella, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and nontuberculous Mycobacterium. Dental health care personnel and patients could be placed at risk of adverse health effects if water is not appropriately treated. Source: CDC

Resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention (OSAP)

 Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

American Dental Association (ADA)

Fact Sheets & Information 

Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention

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Last Updated on Monday, August 14, 2023 10:44 AM