Water Quality and Biofilm Formation in Dental Unit Waterline Systems in Mangaung, South Africa.

Background: Biofilm formation in dental unit waterlines (DUWLs) and the consequent microbial contamination of dental chair unit (DCU) water is a significant challenge. The South African government has no explicit requirements for water quality supplied to DCUs or for disinfection protocols for DUWLs.

Aim: To assess bacterial water quality and presence of biofilm-associated organisms in DUWLs of open and closed system DCUs.