TECHNICAL AND ORGANISATIONAL MEASURES FOR PREVENTING EXPOSURE TO LEGIONELLA IN A DENTAL PRACTICE

Dental water lines have recently been recognised as common sources of water contamination with high concentrations of microorganisms, including Legionella.
Dental water line operating conditions are especially appropriate for Legionella proliferation because the water is stagnant most of the time, the narrow plastic tubing encourages biofilm formation, and the water temperature is usually 20°C or higher (some systems maintain water at 37°C).
Two dentists at a Bucarest dental practice implemented technical and organisational measures to control rosks from Legionella. Technical measures were taken in the following areas: cold water supply for the sinks and the dental units, filtration cartridges for the water lines of the dental units, hot water boiler and water plumbing. Organisational measures were also taken such as introducing new hygiene rules.