• English
    • Français
    • Deutsch
    • Español
    • Italiano
  • Help IconSupport: 1 (800) 216-5505
  • Call IconSales: 1 (877) 207-1551
  • About
  • Contact
  • My Solutions Center Login
Solmetex logo

Print a Recycling Shipping Label

Don't have a My Solutions Center account?
Register today!

  • home iconHome
  • Solmetex
  • Sterisil
  • DryShield
  • Product Guides
    • Product Guides & Documentation
    • Water Safety Compliance
  • Dental Water Safety
    • Dental Water Safety Education
    • Source Water Quality
    • Dental Unit Waterline Management
    • Isolation And Aerosol Control
    • Evacuation
    • Amalgam Capture And Recycling
    • Waste Management
  • Promotions
    • Quarterly Promotions
    • DryShield Free Trial
    • Claim Free Goods
  • Partners
    • Find a Dealer
    • Authorized Dealer Portal
    • International Distribution
    • Special Markets
    • Endorsements & Partnerships
  • Shop
0

Cart

Menu
✕
  • Home
  • Solmetex
  • Sterisil
  • DryShield
  • Product Guides
    • Product Guides & Documentation
    • Water Safety Compliance
  • Dental Water Safety
    • Dental Water Safety Education
    • Source Water Quality
    • Dental Unit Waterline Management
    • Isolation And Aerosol Control
    • Evacuation
    • Amalgam Capture And Recycling
    • Waste Management
  • Promotions
    • Quarterly Promotions
    • DryShield Free Trial
    • Claim Free Goods
  • Partners
    • Find a Dealer
    • Authorized Dealer Portal
    • International Distribution
    • Special Markets
    • Endorsements & Partnerships
  • Recycle Shipping Label
  • Recycling Certificate
  • Shop
  • Contact Us
  • Support: 1 (800) 216-5505
  • Sales: (877) 207-1551
Solmetex Logo

000.000.0000

Login

Call
My Solutions Center
Login
Shop
✕

Login

Lost your password?

0
  • Blog
  • Sterisil
  • Biofilm: The Invisible Threat and Hidden Opportunities

Biofilm: The Invisible Threat and Hidden Opportunities
















































Biofilm: The Invisible Threat and Hidden Opportunities

Solmetex on 05 - 09 - 24

Screenshot

In a recent interview with Dr. Bicuspid's Editor-in-Chief Kevin Henry, Melissa Turner, Chief Hygiene Officer for Cellerant Consulting and self-proclaimed "Biofilm Queen," shed light on the often-overlooked world of biofilm in dental unit waterlines. With the flair of a storyteller referencing “Harry Potter” and “The Matrix”, Melissa brought the microscopic world of biofilm to life, emphasizing its importance in dental health and practice management. 

The Two Faces of Biofilm 

Melissa began by challenging the notion that biofilm is inherently bad. Like a plot twist in a “Harry Potter” novel, she suggested that biofilm can have both good and bad aspects. While this may seem counterintuitive in dentistry, where we're conditioned to view biofilm negatively, she emphasized the importance of understanding the full story of biofilm in various contexts. 

The Hidden Threat in Dental Waterlines 

When it comes to dental unit waterlines (DUWLs), however, biofilm is decidedly problematic. Melissa explained that dental waterlines, being a closed system, are particularly susceptible to biofilm formation. The issue is exacerbated by the intermittent use of dental equipment, with weekends and holidays providing ample opportunity for biofilm to thrive unchecked. "All we need is a surface, some kind of microbe, and then some kind of moisture. It doesn't have to be water. And that creates the yucky, slimy biofilm," Melissa explained. This biofilm can pose significant risks to both patients and equipment. 

Out of Sight, Out of Mind 

One of the biggest challenges with biofilm in dental practices is its invisible nature. As Melissa put it, "Frankly, as clinicians in the dental practice, that is not top of mind for us." This "out of sight, out of mind" mentality, combined with the hectic pace of dental offices, often leads to neglect of proper waterline maintenance. 

The Importance of Systems and Education 

To combat this issue, Melissa stressed the importance of implementing robust systems and processes, especially for new employees. She likened the dental practice environment to "drinking from a fire hose" for newcomers, emphasizing the need for clear guidelines and protocols. "It's all about systems," she stated. "If your employees don't have a handbook, good lord, you got to get that handbook today. They need guidance. You need guidance." 

Staying Updated in a Fast-Paced World 

In an era where dental assistants might be tempted to get information from TikTok, Melissa emphasized the importance of relying on credible sources for infection control information. She encouraged dental professionals to research the latest products and technologies for biofilm removal, noting that old practices like daily line flushing might actually be harmful with newer systems. 

“The Matrix” of Biofilm 

Drawing a parallel to “The Matrix”, Melissa painted a vivid picture of biofilm as a living, thriving community. "If you truly understand biofilm, you'll understand its little beings and communities and they're thriving and surviving and having babies," she explained. This understanding is crucial for effective management of biofilm in dental practices. 

A Call to Action 

Melissa's advice for dental practice owners is clear: take responsibility for infection control standards and implement written protocols. She warned that once you can feel the slime in your waterlines, "it's already too late." 

As we navigate the complex world of dental practice management, Melissa's insights remind us that even the smallest organisms can have a big impact. Just as a skilled Arsenal footballer must be aware of every player on the field, dental professionals must be vigilant about the invisible world of biofilm in their practices.  

By staying informed, implementing proper systems, and maintaining a proactive approach to biofilm management, dental practices can ensure they're providing the safest and most effective care possible. After all, in the game of dental health, biofilm management in dental unit waterlines might just be the winning strategy we've been overlooking. 

Request a Sample
Group 19183
Share
0

Related posts

Biofilm buildup in a DUWL
April 9, 2025

Understanding Biofilm Growth, Bacteria, and CFU Counts in Dental Unit Waterlines


Read more
The essential guide to Georgia’s new dental water quality rule 150-8-.05.
March 5, 2025

Georgia Dental Water Quality Rule 150-8-.05: The Essential Guide


Read more
Lymphadenitis as a result of dental work using contaminated dental unit waterlines.

Above: Lymphadenitis caused by Mycobacterium infection

January 24, 2025

The Importance of Dental Unit Waterline Management: A Clinician’s Guide


Read more
Group 19183

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get special promotions, product updates, and water safety news from our "Water Matters" blog. Unsubscribe at any time.

Solmetex logo white

Since 1996, Solmetex® has been a trusted provider of amalgam separators. Our family of brands - Solmetex®, Sterisil® and DryShield® - offer end-to-end water management solutions for dental practices.

About | Contact | Careers | Press

Product Guides | My Solutions Center Login | Find a Dealer

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

Hours
8:30am-7:00pm EST

Phone
(800) 216-5505

SALES

Phone
(877) 207-1551

Fax
(508) 393-1795

How can we help you?

  • Shop Products
  • Product Manuals & Guides
  • Water Safety Compliance
  • Quarterly Promotions
  • Water Matters Blog
  • Army Certifications

My Solutions Center

  • My Solutions Center Login
  • Create a Support Case
  • Recycling Certificates
  • Manage Subscriptions
  • Product Registration
  • Water Test Results & Logs

Partners

  • Find a Dealer
  • Authorized Dealer Portal
  • International Distribution
  • Special Markets – Dental Service Organizations
  • Endorsements & Partnerships

Solmetex®, LLC • 30 Bearfoot Rd, Northborough, MA 01532-1514 • Partnerships: OSAP | OSHA

© 2025 Solmetex® | All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions

0

$0.00

    ✕

    Login

    Lost your password?

    ✕

    Cart

    Proceed to checkout View cart
    Dental Unit Waterline Safety:A Critical Component of Patient Care 
    August 27, 2024
    The Critical Role of Dental Assistants in Infection Control 
    September 17, 2024