The dental chair unit (DCU) is one of the most essential pieces of equipment used routinely in the dental practice. As necessary as DCUs are for providing electricity, suction, air and water, they are also a breeding ground for biofilms inside the dental unit water lines (DUWLs). This represents a potential risk of infection for staff and patients. It is important that the whole dental team know about biofilms and the best methods for removal and prevention.

How Prevalent is Biofilm in DUWLs?

Studies over the decades have demonstrated that DUWL output water is heavily contaminated, including this study from China. Dental water lines can have more than 500 colony-forming units of bacteria per millilitre, according to the American Dental Association. Most microorganisms harboured in biofilm are harmless, however more dangerous pathogens such as legionella and E. coli can also be found.

Patients who are immunocompromised, young children, the elderly, or those with cancer or diabetes are at an increased risk of infection by these opportunistic pathogens. Reports of patients being infected from dental water are rare, but have happened.

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