Chairside Impact: DUWL maintenance with The SAFEWater Solution

As dental hygienists, our primary focus is on providing patients with the highest standard of care. This includes providing clinical excellence and ensuring that every aspect of the dental environment is safe and free from potential risks. One critical yet often overlooked area is the maintenance of dental unit waterlines (DUWLs).

Contaminated waterlines can harbor harmful bacteria, posing serious health risks to patients and staff. Fortunately, The SAFEWater Solution by Sterisil provides a comprehensive and effective protocol for maintaining clean and safe DUWLs.

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Contaminated DUWLs

DUWLs are inherently prone to biofilm formation. The narrow, long tubing and low flow rates create an optimum environment for bacteria to thrive. Biofilm can develop within days of installing new tubing and continue to grow if not properly managed. Bacteria are released into the water during dental procedures, potentially exposing patients to infection.

Recommendations from the CDC state that DUWLs maintain water quality below 500 colony-forming units (CFU/mL) of heterotrophic bacteria.¹ However, achieving and maintaining this standard requires a consistent and effective waterline maintenance protocol.

The SAFEWater Solution

The SAFEWater Solution by Sterisil is a scientifically backed, easy-to-use system designed to address the challenges of DUWL maintenance. It combines advanced chemistry with a straightforward protocol to ensure waterlines remain clean, safe, and compliant. Here's how it works:

Effective chemistry: It is the most effective treatment available using proprietary silver-ion technology that suppresses bacteria and continuously prevents biofilm growth year-round. This unique formulary is clinically proven to maintain DUWL effluent ≤10 CFU/mL, which is 50x below the 500 CFU/mL limit. Patients love that there is no odor or taste.
Easy-to-follow protocol: The SAFEWater Solution protocol is designed to seamlessly integrate into the daily routine of a busy dental practice. It involves three simple steps:

Shock treatment: Monthly shock treatment using Citrisil Shock tablets eradicates bacterial contamination overload and is nonoxidizing.
Maintenance: Continuous treatment using the Sterisil Straw prevents biofilm growth and keeps bacteria levels in check for 365 days.
Routine testing: Regular water testing ensures compliance with CDC and ADA standards and provides peace of mind for the dental team and patients.

3. Proven results: Independent studies have demonstrated that The SAFEWater Solution reduces bacterial counts to below the recommended 500 CFU/mL threshold, making it a reliable choice for dental clinics committed to safety.

Dental offices must implement best practices for DUWL maintenance to combat biofilm and ensure water quality. This includes establishing standard operating procedures with daily waterline flushing and designating an infection control coordinator to oversee waterline safety.

The SAFEWater Solution stands out

I've seen firsthand the challenges of maintaining clean waterlines. Many products on the market require complex protocols or fail to deliver consistent results. The SAFEWater Solution stands out because it is both user friendly and cost effective.

As trusted health-care providers, dental hygienists play a vital role in infection control. By using The SAFEWater Solution, we can protect our patients from the risks of contaminated waterlines. Additionally, routine water testing provides tangible evidence of compliance, which can be shared with patients to reinforce trust in your practice.

Maintaining clean and safe DUWLs is not just a regulatory requirement—it's a moral obligation. The SAFEWater Solution by Sterisil offers a reliable, effective, easy-to-use system that addresses the challenges of DUWL maintenance head-on. By adhering to CDC and ADS (formerly OSAP) guidelines, implementing consistent maintenance protocols, and staying informed about advancements in waterline management, dental practices can ensure a safe and hygienic environment. This commitment to excellence enhances patient trust and reinforces the integrity of the dental profession.

Together, we can raise the standard of care and protect the health of our patients and teams. Let's make clean waterlines a priority in every dental practice.

Editor's note: This article appeared in the June 2025 print edition of RDH magazine. Dental hygienists in North America are eligible for a complimentary print subscription. Sign up here.

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