Ep. 699 - Waterline Wisdom: Tija Hunter Shares Key Tips and Her Go-To System
Even though we can’t see what’s happening inside those tiny tubes, what’s lurking there can have a big impact on the health of...
The Dr. Phil Klein Dental Podcast Show · Viva Learning LLC
Audio is streamed directly from the publisher (cdn.vivarep.com) as published in their RSS feed. Play Podcasts does not host this file. Rights-holders can request removal through the copyright & takedown page.
Show Notes
When was the last time you tested your dental unit water lines? If you can't remember the exact date, you might be putting patients and your practice at serious risk.
Join us for an essential conversation with Tija Hunter, a Master-level member of the American Dental Assistants Association with over 40 years of clinical experience. As the immediate past president of the Illinois Dental Assistants Association and former vice president, Tija brings unparalleled expertise to one of dentistry's most overlooked safety protocols. Named one of the Top 25 Women in Dentistry by Dental Products Report Magazine and a 2023 DENOBI award recipient, she's dedicated her career to educating dental teams about critical infection control measures that often slip through the cracks.
This episode tackles the hidden dangers lurking in dental unit water lines and provides a comprehensive roadmap for implementing proper testing and maintenance protocols. Tija breaks down the science behind biofilm formation, explains why stagnant water becomes a breeding ground for dangerous pathogens like Legionella, and shares real-world examples of practices that faced devastating consequences from neglecting water line safety. You'll discover the three-component system that ensures patient safety while protecting expensive dental equipment.
Episode Highlights:
- CDC guidelines require quarterly water line testing and shocking, with testing performed on the last day of each quarter and shocking initiated the first day of the following quarter. This protocol ensures accurate contamination readings before treatment while maintaining the 500 CFU per milliliter safety threshold established for drinking water standards.
- Straw filtration systems offer superior convenience and compliance compared to daily tablet treatments, providing continuous antimicrobial action for up to one year when properly installed in self-contained water bottles. This approach significantly reduces human error while maintaining consistent water quality throughout the treatment period.
- Daily flushing protocols are essential for preventing biofilm formation, requiring 1.5-2 minutes of line flushing each morning and 20-30 seconds between patients. Stagnant water creates ideal conditions for bacterial growth, making this simple step critical for maintaining safe water delivery systems.
- Product compatibility within water line maintenance systems prevents equipment damage and eliminates troubleshooting confusion between manufacturers. Using treatment products, shock solutions, and testing materials from the same manufacturer ensures optimal chemical interaction and provides clear accountability for technical support.
- Documentation requirements include maintaining water line testing results for five years, establishing written protocols for all maintenance procedures, and designating specific staff members as infection control coordinators. Proper record-keeping protects practices during regulatory inspections and ensures consistent protocol adherence across all team members.
Perfect for: General dentists, dental hygienists, practice managers, and dental assistants responsible for infection control protocols. Essential listening for anyone seeking to understand current CDC guidelines and implement comprehensive water line safety measures.
Don't wait until a contamination incident puts your patients and practice at risk—start implementing these proven protocols today.