Dental Waterline Basics
Water Testing
Shocking Waterlines
Waterline Maintenance
General QC Maintenance
100

This is the main reason dental waterlines must be tested and shocked regularly.

What is to prevent biofilm buildup and ensure safe water for patients

100

This is how often dental offices should perform routine dental water testing.

What is at least quarterly (every 3 months)?

100

This term refers to using a strong disinfectant to eliminate biofilm inside the waterline tubing. 

What is shocking?

100

Before the first patient of the day, waterlines should be flushed for this long.

What is 2 minutes?

100

Lubricating handpieces should be completed this often.

What is daily?

200

This is the maximum number of colony -forming units (CFU) of bacteria allowed per milliliter. 

What is 500 CFU/mL?

200

This is how should you collect waterline samples within the testing paddles.

What is an even water sample taken from each waterline?

200

This pink-colored solution is commonly used for shocking dental unit waterlines.

What is Liquid Ultra (by Crosstex)

200

Between patients, waterlines should be flushed for this amount of time.

What is 20-30 seconds?

200
Amalgam separators need to be replaced this often.

What is every 6 months or sooner if full?

300

These microorganisms form a slimy layer on the inside of dental unit tubing.

What is biofilm?

300

This is the recommended time for a water test sample to sit before dumping out the water.

What is 1 minute?

300

When shocking, this is how long the disinfectant should remain in the lines before flushing out.

What is overnight and flushed the next morning?

300

This product type is used daily to maintain clean lines between shocking cycles.

What are DentaPure sticks?

300

This is the lowest curing light intensity before notifying dental support.

What is 800 mw/cm?

400

This line in the dental unit delivers water to handpieces, air/water syringes, and ultrasonic scalers.

What are dental unit waterlines?

400

This is how long the paddle typically incubates before results are read.

What is 48-72 hours?

400

This is the next step once you have shocked in the evening.

What is flushing with fresh water to remove the disinfectant the following morning? 

400

This is the action needed if your waterlines are cloudy, discolored or have an odor.

What is waterline shocking maintenance?

400

This is how often the hygienists should be checking the civitron water filter.

What is monthly?
500

Dental staff must always follow this document for the correct use and maintenance.

What is the manufacturer's IFU (Instructions for Use)?

500

If a waterline fails the water quality test, this would be your next action.

What is closing down the Op, shock and retest waterlines until passing results are achieved?

500

This is the log that documents and ensures waterlines stay clean and within acceptable limits.

What is routine QC maintenace schedule?

500

Iodine levels need to be checked this often.

What is monthly?

500

The sterilizers should be drained ______ and deep cleaned ______.

What is weekly and monthly?