|
NEW WATER SYSTEMS IN PLACE
All dental chairs at the School of Dentistry have now been equipped with independent water reservoirs in accordance with recommendations made by the American Dental Association. These self-contained systems provide distilled water from special pressurized bottles filled and maintained by USCSD staff, isolating dental units from municipal water supplies. “Actually, municipal water is not bad in terms of the amount of bacteria it contains. The copper piping it flows through helps to minimize bacterial growth. However, the nature of the tubing with dental units, (thin, plastic, opaque and at times stagnate) creates an ideal breeding ground for bacteria to adhere to the inner surface. In the past, we weren’t able to internally clean or chemically flush the tubing that brought the water to the patients during a dental procedure. The self-contained water systems allow us to chemically flush the lines on a regular basis,” explained Joyce Galligan, chair of the safety and asepsis committee.
While no dental water is free of biofilm, the Organization for Safety and Asepsis Procedures (OSAP) has never received a report claiming infection or transmission of a communicable disease from self-contained systems. “We are currently investigating a number of agents that can be used to flush and clean the units. In addition, we’re looking at in-line filters that will improve the quality of the dental water. However, as in other clinical control practices, successful control of biofilm depends on USCSD operating procedures,” said Joseph Scarpine, director of facilities.
To assure proper maintenance and infection control, Scarpine asks that anyone needing their water refilled or changed contact trained staff members at x00404 for service. “It’s important we monitor and check the system each and every time we change the water. In addition, the bottles are screwed into the unit with a plastic thread that can easily become stripped or damaged if not done properly,” said Scarpine.
|
