DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2015.v03i02.010

Pages: 574-582

Contamination of dental unit water systems (DUWS) to a variety of microorganisms and biofilm formation is one of the most important problems in dentistry centers against the proper operation of thisunits. This study was conducted to aim a review on identifying control methods for bacteriological water quality and biofilm in DUWLs and introducing effective solutions. A considerable number of articles published from 2000 to 2014 in the Iranian and international scientific journal, final reports of the research projects, articles presented in the Congress and student theses, with using standard and sensitive keywords were reviewed. Then the articles which have inclusion criteria of the study, were selectedand were carefully studied. Review of selected studies indicated that different methods for the control of bacteriological water quality and biofilm in dental unit water systems were used. Preventive measures, design and use of a central system of treatment and disinfection of entering water to the units, use of chemical disinfectants, flashing, genus and size of dental unit water pipe, properly designed unit by manufacturers, anti-retraction device (anti-return) and optimum operation are the main methods that were used in several studies. Certainly, one method cannot be supply the standard for unit water quality and remove biofilm. But using different methods is necessary to reach this objective. The most effective method to reduce the microbial contamination load of water and reduce adverse effects on personal health and patients is preventing of biofilm formation, especially using enter of safe water to the dental unit in combination, with other control methods should be seriously considered. In addition, due to bacterial resistance against bactericides and their side effects, use of properly designed units that their management is easy, can be minimized the problems.