title: Microbial contamination of dental unit waterlines: prevalence, intensity and microbiological characteristics.
abstract: Microbiological studies on dental unit water samples from 150 operatories revealed widespread and unacceptably high levels of contamination. Biofilm formation along the walls of the fine-bore waterlines is primarily responsible. These findings are reviewed and their relevance to contemporary infection control concerns discussed.
authors.affiliation: Clinical Center, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824.
authors.forename: J F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Johnston
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.forename: M K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Huntington
authors.forename: C D
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Mackenzie
mesh_terms: D002140:California; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D003748:Dental Equipment; D003770:Dental Offices; D004866:Equipment Contamination; D006801:Humans; D009922:Oregon; D014861:Washington; D014871:Water Microbiology; D014876:Water Pollution / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014881:Water Supply