Is your water safe?

5 Days

Is all it takes for microbial counts to reach up to 200,000 colony-forming units (CFU)/mL after the installation of new dental unit waterlines¹

500 CFU/mL

Of heterotrophic bacteria is the maximum allowable for safe water in non-surgical dental procedures, according to CDC guidelines^2,3

31% of treated water lines contained more than the CDC-recommended maximum of 500 CFU/mL⁴

61% of studied practices contained at least one failed waterline⁴

1. Daily Routine Flushing

Discharge water and air at the beginning and end of each day for 2 minutes, as well as between patients for 20–30 seconds, to help remove stagnant water and debris and reduce the microbial load.

2. Continuous Waterline Treatment

Use approved waterline treatments such as a straw- or cartridge-based system to help control microbial growth, remove biofilm and maintain water quality. Refer to manufacturer instructions for frequency of use and/or replacement.

3. Regular Water Quality Monitoring

Monitor waterlines regularly using validated methods and testing kits to assess microbial load and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. Some experts recommend testing monthly until you achieve consistent passing results, at which time you can begin testing quarterly.

4. As-Needed Shock Treatments

Some experts recommend performing a shock treatment at the start of a new treatment protocol and if a waterline shows failing or even borderline test results (200 CFU/mL or more) before returning to regular maintenance.