Biofilm and the dental office.
The author provides a brief overview of the basic processes involved in biofilm formation and explores the implications these biofilms have for health care facilities such as hospitals and dental offices. Included with this article are suggestions dentists may consider for improving water quality and a white paper on waterlines adopted by the ADA.
Shearer
B G
BG
Council on Scientific Affairs, American Dental Association, Chicago, Il 60611, USA.
D000571:American Dental Association; D018441:Biofilms / Q000254:growth & development*; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000382:microbiology; D003748:Dental Equipment; D003770:Dental Offices; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D006801:Humans; D007875:Legionella / Q000302:isolation & purification; D009161:Mycobacterium / Q000302:isolation & purification; D011549:Pseudomonas / Q000302:isolation & purification; D014481:United States; D014871:Water Microbiology; D018508:Water Purification