Reference/Features

Biofilm and dental unit waterline management

5 mins read Decontamination/HTM 01-05
Laura Yates discusses the problem of biofilm formation and management strategies to inhibit the growth of biofilms in DUWLs, to ensure water quality meets all required UK regulatory standards and to reduce potential risk factors for both patients and staff

GDC development outcome C


According to HTM 01-05, “Registered managers of dental practices have an overriding general duty of care under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.” Part of this duty of care is to ensure that water supply, storage and distribution services should comply with the best practice guidance given in:

Whilst the registered manager may have overall responsibility, it is important to remember that all those undertaking infection prevention and control have an equal responsibility. All dental professionals, not only decontamination leads and dental nurses, should understand that the water entering patients’ mouths, via DUWLs, is of prime concern and should be closely monitored to ensure it is of an acceptable quality.

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