Legionella - Dentistas

Primary Care Dentists & Legionella Control

Second Element provides vital advice and control measures to ensure the health and safety of dental staff and patients by controlling legionella bacteria within dental unit water lines.
Richard Danielson, Director of Second Element, said research at the Centre for Applied Microbiology and Research, Porton Down, showed that of 55 water samples from dental surgeries in the south-west of England, 52 samples failed the European Union drinking-water safety standards.
Water lines were found to contain bacteria including legionella. Oral streptococci, normally present in the oral cavity, was found in 10% of the samples tested. Studies have shown that up to 25% cent of DUWLs are contaminated with legionella and 95% of water in general dental practice DUWLs fails current EU potable-water guidelines on microbial load.
Legionella bacteria can be transmitted to dental staff and patients by inhalation of contaminated water droplets or aerosol generated by water-cooled high speed dental instruments. It is therefore essential to ensure that the water used during dental procedures is of a quality that does not pose any threat or risk to health to either staff or the patient.
All dental practices must perform a legionella risk assessment plus water quality testing performed. Each dental practice must also have a written document of procedures and measures to maintain the control of legionella. This must be devised by a competent person who can be a member of the Legionella Control Association.