Dental Water Lines

Dental Water Lines that expose patients or dental workers to water of poor microbiological quality is simply not consistent with accepted infection control principles.

Water lines that remain untreated or unfiltered are likely to contain high numbers of microorganisms and are unlikely to meet drinking water standards.  Microbial counts in dental water lines should comply with EPA standards for safe drinking water which is less than 500CFU/mL.

What is your practice's water line schedule for monitoring the quality of water lines in each operatory? Weekly, monthly, yearly, never?

Commercial self-contained test kits or commercial water-testing laboratories are available. This ensures that procedures are being properly performed and devices are working as they should.

There are many  safety duties in every practice.  Managing them can be a challenge. 

Posted by Pat Pine, RDH on November 24, 2009

To help preserve your safety practices visit  “U”nique Dental Organizational Services @ www.uniquedentalservices.com.  Patricia Pine RDH, OSHA/ IC  coach, trainer, speaker.

Pat promotes risk management presentations that combine organizing the hygienists’ day while incorporating “new” technology and MI dentistry, based on scientific research and evidence based. Pat is founder of “U”nique Dental Organizational Services.  She provides practices with safety exercises that keep teams up-to- date and safe in all aspects of infection control.  Her career has been multifaceted including, including clinical dental hygiene, dental hygiene education, speaking nationally and internationally. Pat has contributed to several dental hygiene magazines. To learn more about Pat visit uniquedentalservices.com.

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