Use of chlorine dioxide to disinfect dental unit waterlines.

This paper describes a trial of chlorine dioxide in dental unit waterlines to produce potable quality water. Four treatment protocols using 50 ppm activated chlorine dioxide solution were tested. Each caused a short-term (<48 h) decline in total viable counts but did not provide potable quality water. Intermittent use of chloride dioxide is thus not suitable for long-term decontamination of dental unit waterlines. Units should be redesigned to discourage biofilm formation, and more research into practical methods of achieving potable water is required in the interim.