Biofilms form rapidly on dental unit waterlines. The specific design of dental units favors bacteria to colonize surfaces and to form biofilm in water supply tubes, including dental unit water line (DUWL). The majority of the organisms in the biofilm are harmless environmental species, but some dental units may harbour opportunistic respiratory pathogens. Microbiological control of dental unit ...

Numerous studies have shown that the water discharged from dental unit waterlines (DUWLs) contains high densities of bacteria, especially non-fermenting Gram negative bacteria. The aim of the present study was to investigate how the material (polyethylene-PE and polytetrafluorethylene-PTFE) and size (1.6 and 4.0 mm) of 4 waterlines in a pilot plant influence the level of contamination in the ou...

Introduction. Legionella is frequently detected in Dental Unit Waterlines (DUWLs). Although such a high occurrence is not necessarily associated with high risk for Legionnaire’s disease among patients and staff, it is prudent to monitor DUWLs for Legionella periodically. Since this procedure is long and expensive, surrogate markers are frequently

This report consolidates previous recommendations and adds new ones for infection control in dental settings. Recommendations are provided regarding 1) educating and protecting dental health-care personnel; 2) preventing transmission of bloodborne pathogens; 3) hand hygiene; 4) personal protective equipment; 5) contact dermatitis and latex hypersensitivity; 6) sterilization and disinfection of ...

Environmental conditions in DU encourage biofilm development. This biofilm may represent a risk for patients and dental staff exposed to water and aerosols generated during dental cares, particularly for immunocompromised persons. A survey was conducted on the 175 dental surgeons of the department of Vienne (France) to investigate the motivations of dental practitioners to renew their DU, their...