Dental unit waterline infection control practice and knowledge gaps.

Background: Dental unit waterline (DWL) infection control is critical to infection prevention. Identifying challenges and barriers to its implementation is a first step toward understanding how to improve engagement.

Methods: A survey was distributed to dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants via the Qualtrics XM platform (Qualtrics). Responses were analyzed to quantify engagement in practices contrary to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance and identify avenues to improve engagement.

Results: Although oral health care providers recognized DWL infection control was important, there was a lack of clarity about appropriate routine engagement (eg, what lines should be tested), what should be noted in practice infection control records, and steps to be taken in response to a failed test result (ie, ≥ 500 colony-forming units/mL), such as taking a chair out of service.

Conclusions: Survey results showed there were considerable gaps in knowledge and practice that could lead to patient harm. Oral health care provider training may not prepare personnel adequately to engage in, let alone supervise, DWL infection control. DWL infection control, like other aspects of infection control, requires action informed via an understanding of what needs to be done. Although good intentions are appreciated, better approaches to DWL infection control information dissemination and strategies to engage dental assistants, dental hygienists, and dentists in best practices are needed.

Practical Implications: Evolving standards of care, including infection control, should be reflected in the provision of dental treatment. Improvements in communicating and ensuring engagement in best practices are needed when it comes to DWL infection control.