Start here · Machines · Operatory equipment
Dental unit waterline and independent water bottle
Also called: water bottle, self-contained water system, DUWL
The bottle and thin tubing that supply water to handpieces, scalers and the syringe.
Many dental units get their water from a bottle attached to the unit (an independent or self-contained water system). The narrow tubing grows biofilm (a slimy layer of germs) unless it is treated with chemicals. Water used for nonsurgical care should have 500 CFU/mL (colony-forming units, a count of bacteria) or fewer, which is the drinking water standard.
How to spot it
- A clear or white plastic bottle screwed onto the side or back of the delivery unit or chair.
What it is used for
- Fill and treat the bottle exactly as the waterline product and unit manufacturer direct.
- Test the water as often as the manufacturer recommends, using an in-office kit or a mail-in lab.
- If a test fails, treat the lines per the instructions and retest right away.
Safety and care
- Flushing alone does not remove biofilm; chemical treatment is needed.
- Use sterile water or saline from a sterile delivery device for surgery, not the unit water.
- During a boil-water advisory, do not use unit water for patient care.
Related
Sources: CDC. Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003. MMWR 2003;52(RR-17), ADA Oral Health Topics. Dental Unit Waterlines, CDC. Best Practices for Dental Unit Water Quality