Assessment of Microbial and Chemical Indicators of Dental Unit Water in Active Clinics of Bojnord City in 2024

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnourd, Iran

2 Student, Student Research Committee, School of Public Health, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnourd, Iran

10.30468/beyhagh.2026.1849

Abstract

Introduction: Dental unit waterlines can harbor large numbers of pathogenic microorganisms that pose risks to both patients and dental staff. Continuous exposure to aerosols generated during dental procedures highlights the importance of microbial water quality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the microbial and chemical quality of dental unit water in clinics of Bojnord city and compare the results with established standards.
Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on active dental units in Bojnord in 2024. Samples were collected from 40 units in both public and private clinics. Sampling containers were sterilized using an autoclave. Water samples were obtained from different parts of the units, including the air-water syringe, turbine line before and after flushing, and the cup filler. Samples were immediately transferred under appropriate conditions to the laboratory and cultured. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software.
Results: The findings indicated that coliforms represented the highest percentage of microbial contamination in dental unit water. The cup filler showed the highest level of contamination, with a mean of 1910.038 ±â€¯8256.75 CFU/mL, while the lowest contamination was observed in municipal water, with a mean of 100.02 ±â€¯867.25 CFU/mL.
Conclusion: The findings of this study conclude that, given the microbial and chemical contamination of water in dental units, dentists should always pay attention to ways to control microorganisms in the units' water sources and take appropriate preventive measures to reduce the risk of infection for staff and patients.

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Beyhagh
Volume 31, Issue 1
June 2026
Pages 1-8

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