Background
This presentation, jointly hosted by ADA and Organization for Safety Asepsis and Prevention (OSAP), discusses recent outbreaks of pediatric mycobacterial infections associated with dental treatment. It also covers recommendations and best practices for avoiding contamination of dental equipment water delivery systems that may lead to opportunistic infections.
Presenter Dr. Shannon E. Mills, D.D.S. — an internationally recognized as an expert in dental infection prevention and safety with an emphasis on dental unit water quality — describes how the design of dental equipment encourages the growth of biofilm attached to the walls of dental waterlines. In addition, dental professionals will learn what measures can be taken to reduce bacterial colonization with specific reference to the Health Advisory on dental water quality issued by CDC on November 18, 2022.
Specific approaches for treating dental water systems to eliminate or prevent formation of biofilm are described, with an emphasis on the importance of periodic monitoring to assure that biofilm management measures are effective.

Learning Objectives
• Understand how biofilms form in dental water delivery systems
• Develop best practices and implement CDC guidelines for dental water management
• Recognize why periodic monitoring of dental water delivery systems is essential