Microbiological quality of the water used in the dental clinic of Naresuan University
Authors :
- Nat Wongchanhan
- Chareerat Jittrong
- Saowaluk Dechaboon
- Thosapol Piyapattamin
Abstract :
Objective This study was designed to assess the microbiological quality of the water used in the dental clinic of Naresuan University (NU).
Materials and methods By means of standard plate counts with the use of violet red bile agar, microorganisms in water samples gathered from dental units before and after dental procedures were cultivated and examined at light microscopic level.
Results The observed Gram-negative bacilli without spore formation were regarded as total coliforms. Water samples from plastic bottles attached to the dental units and from air-water syringe tips revealed few, if any, colony-forming units (cfu) of total coliforms, while those from the cups for patients to rinse their mouth showed no cfu. Compared to those from other sources, the samples from high-speed handpieces possessed significantly more cfu (p=0.043). Time-related significant differences in microbial number were also detected in the samples gathered from the handpieces (p<0.05).
Conclusion Despite an existence of total coliforms, the water used during treatment in NU’s dental clinic fulfilled the standard requirement of American Dental Association. Nevertheless, it is necessary that there be strict quality programs, including regular water monitoring, for microbiological analyses.
(CU Dent J 2003;26:137-45)
Keywords :
dental unit; Microbiological quality; total coliforms; water
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