Dentists

In most cases your Dental practice is no different from a small office, comprising relatively simple hot and cold water services.

You do, however, have a water system specific to your profession, namely dental water lines. These produce a spray (& aerosol) used to cool drills, as well as oral irrigation during treatment procedures.

Most dentists use a closed system for the dental lines which utilise distilled water and these lines are normally flushed each morning prior to opening of surgery. Additional flushing between patients is recommended.

Failure to keep dental lines clean allows a biofilm to form which permits bacterial growth. There have been numerous instances where legionella have been found in dental lines which then is a high risk due to the aerosol being generated.

Many dentists are being requested by the CQC to check their dental water lines for legionella bacteria.