A simulated-use evaluation of a strategy for preventing biofilm formation in dental unit waterlines*

Materials and methods .................................................................................... 83 Results ................................................................................................................ 85 Discussion ......................................................................................................... 89 Conclusion ........................................................................................................ 90 Disclosure .......................................................................................................... 91 References .......................................................................................................... 91

Dental unit waterline contamination can pose a serious threat of infection to patients. Such contamination is the result of biofilms that adhere to the inner surfaces of the lines. Biofilms consist of bacterial cells immobilized in an organic polymer matrix that often is highly resistant to removal. The biofilm protects the bacteria both from being washed away by the water flow and from many types of antimicrobial water treatment [1,2].