Why Dental Water Safety Should Be a Priority in Your Practice

Dr Dan Shaffer
Jan 7
2 min read

In dentistry, infection control is a non-negotiable part of patient care. We invest

significant time in instrument sterilisation, hand hygiene, and surface decontaminatio, but one area often underestimated is dental unit waterline (DUWL) safety. As seen in many modern clinical articles, including those written in the style of BizDentistry’s blog, the focus is shifting toward more holistic, system, wide infection control. Waterline management is central to that shift.

The Hidden Risk Inside Dental Waterlines

Dental waterlines are narrow tubes with low flow rates, creating the perfect environment for biofilm accumulation. Even when the incoming water supply is clean, microorganisms thrive inside the lines and multiply rapidly.

The implications can be significant:

Failed microbial water tests
Elevated infection risks, especially for vulnerable patients
Reduced confidence in a practice’s infection control standards

For older patients, children, and immunocompromised individuals, exposure to contaminated water is a preventable threat—one that every practice should take seriously.

A Simple, Safe Approach: Dentaqua’s HOCl System

The Dentaqua system offers a practical and environmentally responsible solution. Using only tap water, a small amount of salt, and electrolysis, the system produces hypochlorous acid (HOCl)—a highly effective yet gentle disinfectant known as Ecasol.

Key advantages include:

Neutral pH
Safe for daily use around patients and staff
Effective against bacteria, fungi, viruses, and biofilm
Suitable for waterlines and general surface disinfection

Because Ecasol is generated on-site, practices eliminate the need for storing and handling hazardous chemicals—streamlining infection control and improving team safety.

Clean Surfaces, Less Waste

Dentaqua’s system extends beyond DUWL treatment. By dispensing HOCl into reusable spray bottles and pairing it with biodegradable wipes or towels, practices can significantly reduce their reliance on single-use disinfectant wipes.

Benefits include

Lower waste production
Reduced cost of consumables
A more sustainable workflow

This approach aligns with modern practice management principles—practical, efficient, and environmentally conscious.

Clinical Evidence That Matters

Clinical evaluations support Dentaqua’s effectiveness. Practices using daily HOCl

dosing have reported:

Stable microbial counts well within safe limits
No need for harsh weekly shock-dosing protocols
Improved consistency in water quality testing

Research also shows that HOCl at recommended concentrations is safe for patients, staff, and dental equipment, making it a dependable long-term option.

Full clinical details and research summaries can be found at https://dentaqua.com/.

Supporting Regulatory Compliance

In the UK, standards such as HTM 04-01 and HSE L8 emphasise the importance of water safety and Legionella management. Dentaqua’s system supports compliance by:

Providing a simple, repeatable daily disinfection process
Reducing risk associated with traditional chemicals
Offering documentation that can be easily presented during audits

This helps practices demonstrate a proactive approach to patient safety.

Benefits for Your Practice

More reliable microbial control
Safer handling with no hazardous chemicals
Reduced dependence on single -use consumables
Lower long-term costs
Streamlined compliance and documentation

Final Thought

Dental water safety doesn’t need to be complicated or burdensome. With Dentaqua’s HOCl generation system, practices gain a safe, effective, and sustainable method for managing both waterlines and surface disinfection. It removes uncertainty from an essential part of infection control—helping your team protect patients with confidence.

To learn more or to see how the system fits into your existing workflow, visit https://dentaqua.com/.