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Failing to plan, is planning to fail - get your dental water lines ready...

Management of waterborne pathogens in dental unit water lines during the COVID-19 Pandemic!

Covid19 Dental Practice

First off, thank you for taking great care of your patients. Infection prevention has never been so important and although many other issues are on your mind, you may find yourself at the point where you will have to consider suspending or limiting the care.


Some practices are reaching out to us with questions regarding waterline maintenance given that many of you may have to close down the surgeries. We've been advising you on the dental lines disinfection procedures for a while and this time is no different. We would like to help you understand how to mitigate the rapid biofilm development within your DUWL during the shutdown or reduced use of your equipment.


Whilst water systems may not seem to be high on the priority list during the COVID-19 pandemic it is important for the health and safety of patients, staff, and visitors is maintained and all water systems are managed safely. Bacteria may grow and develop biofilms, which, combined with the generation of aerosols from high speed powered hand-pieces and ultrasonic devices, may expose your patients to microbial pathogens including Legionella, Pseudomonas and Mycobacterium species.

Recommended Protocol If You're Suspending or Limiting Care:

Recommended Shut Down Procedure

As outlined in HTM 01-05, follow the manufacturer’s guidance (This refers to dental unit manufacturer) for the temporary decommissioning of DUWLs.

1. Purge Your Waterlines: Purge or drain all water from all waterlines including syringes, high-speed handpieces and ultrasonic scalers (e.g. Cavitrons) and let lines dry. Verify that your Slow Speed Handpiece lines are capped by attempting to purge water from them. If water comes out, completely purge these lines as well. Leave lines completely dry until the practice resumes care.

2. If Using Tablets or other Waterlines Maintenance Products: Purging may not be necessary, but we recommend it across the board in this situation.