Wondering How to Clean Your Dental Unit Waterlines?
Do your handpieces get clogged often?
Do you notice an unpleasant odor from the dental water?
Do your handpieces get clogged often?
Do you notice an unpleasant odor from the dental water?
치과 위생, 물에서 시작됩니다.
핸드피스가 자주 막히시나요?
진료수에서 냄새가 나시나요?
Installation case
Test report
DENTOZONE
What Is a Dental Unit Waterline?
The tubing that supplies water to handpieces or scalers is extremely narrow—only 1–2 mm in diameter—and typically more than 1.5 m long.
In other words, while small and thin in appearance, their surface area-to-volume ratio is very large, and the water flows slowly, allowing long stagnation times.Such an environment naturally leads to the formation of biofilm, a slimy matrix where microorganisms grow and multiply.
As a result, even clean incoming water becomes contaminated the moment it passes through these lines.
The real problem, therefore, lies not in the water itself, but in the structure of the pipeline.
Why Do Handpieces Get Clogged and
Dental Water Smell Bad?
Biofilm clusters inside the waterlines
Because water flows slowly through these narrow, lengthy tubes, stagnation is inevitable. This environment naturally promotes the formation of biofilm — a slimy matrix where microorganisms grow and multiply.
Odor caused by bacterial and fungal growth
Bacteria within the biofilm feed on organic matter in the stagnant water, proliferate, and decompose it together with fungi.This process produces malodorous gases such as hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), resulting in an odor similar to foul, stagnant water.
DENTOZONE
Dental Unit Waterline Disinfection
Waterline disinfection—or flushing—aims to remove biofilm inside the dental unit waterlines, keeping the inner surfaces clean and minimizing contamination.
Through this process, the water used during treatment remains safe and free of bacterial contamination.
DENTOZONE
Disinfectant
When Using a Hydrogen Peroxide–Based Disinfectant (with Sterile-Line)
To ensure full disinfection efficacy, the solution must remain inside the waterlines for at least 12 hours. Therefore, it is common practice to inject the disinfectant after the last appointment of the day and perform the flushing process the following morning before treatment begins.
The estimated working time, based on four dental unit chairs, is:
• Disinfectant injection after treatment: approximately 30 minutes
• Flushing before the next day’s appointments: approximately 30 minutes
When Using Diluted Sodium Hypochlorite (NaOCl) Disinfectant
After injecting the disinfectant, do not leave it in the waterlines for more than 15 minutes. For optimum efficacy, start the flushing process within 10 minutes.
The estimated disinfection process time, based on four dental unit chairs, is approximately one hour.
※ However, NaOCl-based disinfectants are not recommended due to potential equipment damage and safety concerns for both patients and medical staff.
※ If the waterlines have not been disinfected previously or have gone untreated for a long period, pre-inspection is required, as clogging or leakage may occur.
※ Immediately after disinfection, residual biofilm fragments from the pipe walls may mix into the cup water. Please take extra care to prevent patients from ingesting any foreign substances during treatment.
DENTOZONE
Disinfection Timing (Frequency)
When unpleasant odors appear or handpieces become clogged,it usually indicates that contamination inside the waterlines is already severe and that regular disinfection has been long overdue.
Even if no visible symptoms are present, “a failed water test” from routine water testing means immediate waterline disinfection is required.
When testing is requested from an authorized water-quality institution,it usually takes about one week to receive the report,during which water quality can continue to deteriorate.
Research has shown that bacterial levels may begin to rise again just three days after disinfection.
For this reason, both domestic and international experts recommend performing waterline disinfection weekly or biweekly, regardless of water test results.
Korean Dental Association
Weekly disinfection recommended
U.S. CDC
Disinfect at least every two weeks
‘Stelirex’ guideline: Weekly disinfection
if skipped, perform three consecutive cleanings over three days
Importance of disinfection cycles
Currently, many clinics perform outsourced cleaning only two to three times per year,
which often serves merely as a post-contamination response to remove existing biofilm.
To maintain truly safe dental treatment water, it is essential to implement strict periodic disinfection or consider adopting a biofilm-free system (e.g., chemical-free plasma water management system) for a more fundamental solution.
Solve It with Dentozone’s Self-Disinfection System, dCare!
DentoZone has developed and provides the dCare System — a dedicated in-clinic solution that allows dental offices to disinfect their own waterlines easily, anytime.
This system not only enables regular waterline disinfection but also provides an emergency water-supply function during unexpected water outages.
Installation and usage training are provided directly by DentoZone,
and all necessary disinfectant supplies are delivered to you on a regular basis.
Waterline Management During Treatment – Don’t Skip “Line Flushing”
Even when using high-quality dental water, the risk of cross-contamination between patients cannot be completely eliminated.
To prevent this, both domestic and international infection-control guidelines recommend “Line Flushing” as the most basic yet effective management method.
Line flushing is a simple procedure that any dental staff member can perform,and it is essential to carry it out consistently — before and after treatments, and between patients.
In particular, both the 4th Accreditation Standards for Dental Hospitals and the Korean Dental Association’s Infection-Control Program emphasize the importance of performing and documenting regular line flushing.
1. Flush the waterlines at least five times using the rinse cup.
2. Run water through each instrument for at least 5 seconds in the following order: 3-way syringe → scaler → high-speed handpiece.
Before removing any instrument used during treatment (such as the 3-way syringe, scaler, or high-speed handpiece), make sure to flush water through each for at least 5 seconds.
Since 2013, DENTOZONE has been supporting university hospitals and dental hospitals in establishing effective water quality and infection control systems.
Now, we are fully prepared to meet the more rigorous standards of the 4th-Cycle accreditation program.
DENTOZONE
What Is the Dental Hospital Accreditation System?
The Dental Hospital Accreditation System is an absolute-evaluation accreditation program implemented by the Korea Institute for Healthcare Accreditation (KOIHA) to enhance patient safety and quality of medical services.
• Legal Basis: Article 58 of the Medical Service Act
• Accreditation Cycle: 4 years
• Validity Period: 2026–2029
• Evaluation Method: Absolute (non-comparative) evaluation
• Governing Body: Korea Institute for Healthcare Accreditation (KOIHA)
DENTOZONE
What’s New in the 4th Cycle?
Key Updates (Announced December 2024)
Strengthened standards for infectious disease prevention and response
Detailed criteria for the management of waterlines and disinfection systems
Enhanced monitoring of treatment water quality
Structured documentation and performance tracking
DENTOZONE
Accreditation Preparation Checklist
Manuals for waterline disinfection procedures and record-keeping
Water quality test reports and Petri film test records
Regular equipment inspection logs
Waterline control training materials
Staff training completion records
DENTOZONE provides a full preparation package and consulting service designed to meet every requirement.
DENTOZONE
DENTOZONE Waterline Control System
Plasma-Based, Chemical-Free Disinfection + Control Consulting
Maintains treatment water at potable standards (below 100 CFU/mL)
Prevents biofilm formation and stagnant water
Provides monthly and annual water quality monitoring
Minimizes staff workload through automated operation systems
Offers full documentation support for infection control and accreditation compliance
Sample Waterline Control Policy
Water
Flushing
• Five times at Perform five flushes at the start and end of each clinic day.
• Flush the waterlines for at least 5 seconds after each patient.
Waterline
Disinfection
• Conduct and document waterline disinfection at least twice a year.
• Plasma disinfection with supplementary hydrogen peroxide disinfection
Water
Quality Testing
• Annual testing by certified institutions
• Monthly in-house testing
Equipment
Maintenance
Weekly inspection of system condition
Record
Management
Maintain waterline control logs and test reports
DENTOZONE
Why Dental Hospitals Choose DENTOZONE
Over a Decade of Accreditation Support Experience
Proven track record with major universities and hospitals
ISO 13485-certified quality control system
100% chemical-free, residue-free, and odor-free solutions
Fully compliant with the latest 4th Cycle standards
You don’t need to add chlorine to your dental treatment water.
DENTOZONE effectively controls bacteria in dental unit waterlines — without using any chemical disinfectants.
❝
Still adding chlorine to your treatment water?
Simple disinfection is not enough — true water management means prevention.
Some claim that “residual chlorine protects against bacterial contamination.
” However, dental treatment water is more than just water used to rinse the unit.
It is sprayed directly into patients’ mouths — and in some cases, may even be swallowed.
Can a method that intentionally adds chlorine truly be considered safe?
Chlorine is a temporary fix — not a fundamental solution.
While chlorine can temporarily kill bacteria,
it cannot remove or prevent the regrowth of biofilm inside the waterlines.
The claim that “residual chlorine at 0.02–1 mg/L eliminates bacteria”applies primarily to large-scale water distribution pipes or storage tanks. In contrast, dental unit waterlines are: Extremely narrow (inner diameter approx. 2 mm) Long Often stagnant between treatments
Under these conditions, the following issues can occur:
Biofilm blocks chlorine from penetrating.
Biofilm creates a polysaccharide matrix that acts as a barrier, allowing only the surface layer to be disinfected while bacteria inside survive.According to the U.S. CDC and ADA,Residual chlorine alone cannot fundamentally prevent biofilm formation. [1], [2], [3]
Chlorine dissipates quickly in stagnant water.
When water remains still in a narrow line for just 1–2 hours, chlorine reacts with metal ions and organic matter, rapidly losing its disinfecting effect.
In conclusion
Compared to general water disinfection, chlorine can temporarily reduce bacterial counts.
However,
✅ It does not fundamentally prevent biofilm formation.
✅ There is limited evidence on the long-term safety of chlorine exposure in oral tissues.
✅ In real-world clinical settings, it is only supplementary at best.
Does not rely on chemicals, and Blocks biofilm formation using residue-free technologies such as plasma disinfection. [3]
Moreover, when chlorine reacts with organic matter in water,Moreover, when chlorine reacts with organic matter in water,it can produce carcinogenic by-products such as trihalomethanes (THMs) and chloroform. And remember — if residual chlorine is detected, that means chemical substances are still present in the water.
Would you really want that water sprayed into a patient’s mouth?
DENTOZONE
Even municipal tap water systems are
reducing chlorine use.
So why is chlorine-based disinfection in dental waterlines still considered the “best” solution?
World Health
Organization and EU
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the EU recommend keeping residual chlorine levels below 0.1–0.2 mg/L and minimizing its use.
Problem with the taste
and smell of tap water
In Korea, the Ministry of Environment is gradually reducing chlorine dosing at water treatment plants due to taste and odor issues.
Chemical-free sterilization technology
In the U.S. and parts of Europe, many cities have shifted to chemical-free disinfection technologies such as UV, ozone, or electrolysis.
Is residual chlorine truly safe?
DENTOZONE Takes a Different Approach
A Chemical-Free, Prevention-Centered System
With plasma technology, the solution is simple.
DENTOZONE’s system inhibits bacterial growth and prevents biofilm formation at the source — all without chemicals.No Chemical.
No Biofilm. No Bacteria.
Disinfection
without chemical agents
No residual
chlorine concerns
Safe water for patients —
even if ingested
Perform retraction and suction simultaneously—no assistant needed.
99 Suction Block fully supports single-operator dentistry.
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The Dental Hygienist Shortage Is Now a Reality
One of the biggest challenges faced by dental clinics today is the shortage of qualified dental hygienists.Even in metropolitan areas — not to mention regional clinics — it’s increasingly difficult to hire experienced staff.High turnover rates and rising labor costs are putting significant pressure on clinic operations. When support staff are limited, seemingly simple yet essential tasks — like suction assistance — become a major burden for both dentists and hygienists.
It’s time to reduce dependence on manpower and let 99 Suction Block handle it for you.
59.1% of a Dental Hygienist’s Workload
Is Assistance — and 70–80% of That Is Suction Support
According to data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service
(HIRA), 59.1% of a dental hygienist’s work involves assistance tasks,
with suction support being the most physically demanding among them.
In other words, hygienists spend most of their day on suction-related tasks
—leading to reduced efficiency, higher risk of musculoskeletal disorders,
and lower job satisfaction.
Replacing suction assistance isn’t just helpful —
it’s a necessary change for both dentists and hygienists.
Making Solo Dental Practice a Reality Starts with Solving the Suction Problem
To make solo dental practice truly possible, the first challenge that must be addressed is suction management.It is nearly impossible for a dentist to hold a handpiece while simultaneously operating a mouth prop and suction device.
Without an assistant, the following issues can easily occur:
In short, unless the suction issue is resolved, one-person practice cannot be efficient, comfortable, or safe — for either the dentist or the patient.
DENTOZONE
99 Suction Block —
The Smart Solution for Solo Practice
99 Suction Block combines a mouth prop and suction function in one device, enabling seamless procedures even without an assistant.
✅ Small, Medium, Large, Extra-Large All reserved.
✅ Standard reserved.
Dentozone is different
A realistic alternative to single-person care,
It starts with this 99-segment block.
Patent registration, design registration, trademark registration around the world, including the United States, Japan, Europe, Korea, and China
CE MDR Authentication
Currently, Germany, the U.S., Japan, etc Already used by many dentists at home and abroad
