ProEdge Academy
The Latest Dental Water Research & News
15 Years Testing
& Treating
Has Taught Us
a Thing or Two
We’ve tested every kind of dental unit, troubleshooted every kind of treatment protocol, and helped every kind of dental professional. And after 15 years, we still love it.
- Over 100,000 waterline tests completed
- Research & analysis of every major dental water treatment
- ProEdge treatments are used 15,000 times every day
- Thousands of consultations resolving waterline test failures
We’re committed to sharing our knowledge so every practice and patient is safe from bacterial infections from biofilms in dental unit waterlines. Take a look:
The Latest Research
30% of Waterlines Fail to Reach the CDC’s 500 CFU/mL Guideline
Even for dental professionals ahead of the curve in dental unit waterline testing and treatment, it can come as a big surprise, but it’s true: nearly 1/3 of waterlines tested fail to meet the CDC guideline for safe water, despite their implementation of a waterline maintenance protocol.
After thousands of tests and consultations, we know this happens for two reasons:
- Not all products are easily implemented
- Some products are not as effective as advertised (see graph below)
- Passed Tests (<500 CFU/mL)
- Failed Tests (>500 CFU/mL)
How Does Your Treatment Compare?
Not all treatments are created equal. This list includes some of the best and worst performing products.
All in all, that’s thousands of patients at risk of infection. Testing your water regularly is the only way to know if your treatments are working and your water is safe for patient care.
See the Research
30% of Water Tests Fail to Reach the CDC’s 500 CFU/mL Guideline
Even for dental professionals ahead of the curve in dental unit waterline testing and treatment, it can come as a big surprise, but it’s true: nearly 1/3 of waterlines tested fail to meet the CDC guideline for safe water, despite their implementation of a waterline maintenance protocol.
After thousands of tests and consultations, we know this happens for two reasons:
- Not all products are easily implemented
- Some products are not as effective as advertised (see graph below)
- Passed Tests (<500 CFU/mL)
- Failed Tests (>500 CFU/mL)
How Does Your Treatment Compare?
Not all treatments are created equal. This list includes some of the best and worst performing products.
All in all, that’s thousands of patients at risk of infection. Testing your water regularly is the only way to know if your treatments are working and your water is safe for patient care.
Free Dental Water Safety CE Courses
Peer-Reviewed Free E-Book (2 CE Credits)
Dental Water Treatment & Maintenance
Through this 12-page E-Book, you’ll be able access the latest research on on dental unit waterlines from infection control experts, Nancy Dewhirst, RDH, BS and John A. Molinari, PhD. They’ll help your team understand how different dental waterline maintenance protocols perform and give you foundational principles in developing the right protocol for your office.
It’s free and a 10-question exam worth 2 CE Credits in Infection Control is included.
Tija Hunter Webinar (1 CE Credit)
Water Line Contamination – What’s in your water?
This presentation by Tija Hunter was originally broadcast on December 5, 2016. Hunter has over 35 years of chairside experience in Missouri and in 2015 was named one of the Top 25 Women in Dentistry by Dental Products Report Magazine.
Hunter will guide you through some of the latest research on dental unit waterline infection control practices and protocol and how you can keep your water safe for patients.
Take the Next Step
Toward Safe Water Assurance
Gain Understanding
How to Shock Your Waterlines
Dental Water Treatment Product Selection Guide
Three Necessary Aspects of Every Effective Dental Waterline Treatment Protocol
Dental Water Testing – A Comprehensive Guide
Calling All California Dental Pros to Higher Water Safety Standards – Assembly Bill 1277
Cleaning & Maintain Dental Unit Waterlines – “Dentistry’s Dirty Little Secret”
Infection Outbreaks Shine Light On Water Risks
“‘Think of the plaque that grows on your teeth,’ says Molinari, ‘That plaque is a biofilm. At first you can wash it off with water, but after 24 hours you need to brush your teeth and use chemicals to remove it. Even mouthwash alone isn’t enough.’ The biofilms in waterlines do the same thing. The outer layers might die as cleaning chemicals rush through the pipes, but the inner layers can survive.”
NPR continues in the article stating that a study done on treatments found that fungi, bacteria, viruses, and protozoa continued to exist in many dental unit waterlines even if they were being treated.
The only way to be sure what’s in your waterlines is to test regularly.
NPR turns to ProEdge Dental Water Labs to learn the real risks of not testing your water to ensure effective treatment.
Infection Outbreak Shines Light On Water Risks
“‘Think of the plaque that grows on your teeth,’ says Molinari, ‘That plaque is a biofilm. At first you can wash it off with water, but after 24 hours you need to brush your teeth and use chemicals to remove it. Even mouthwash alone isn’t enough.’ The biofilms in waterlines do the same thing. The outer layers might die as cleaning chemicals rush through the pipes, but the inner layers can survive.”
NPR continues in the article stating that a study done on treatments found that fungi, bacteria, viruses, and protozoa continued to exist in many dental unit waterlines even if they were being treated. The only way to be sure? Regular testing and help from experts.
NPR turns to ProEdge Dental Water Labs to learn the real risks of not testing your water to ensure effective treatment.
Quarterly E-Newsletter on Dental Waterline News
The Lab Update – a quarterly e-newsletter on the latest in dental waterline research, news, legislation, and resources from the team at ProEdge Dental Water Labs. Subscribe today!