Table of contents

As the holidays approach, we want to make sure your dental unit waterlines are ready to go when you return! If you are going to be gone for less than two weeks – there’s not too much that needs to be done – it will be similar to what you do over the weekend. If you will be gone for 2 weeks or more – we have that information for you too.

Closed for less than 2 weeks

For offices using tablets (BluTab, ICX)

Before the Holiday:

Keep the treated water in the bottles and lines as you would for a standard weekend. The low-level antimicrobial in the tablet will keep bacteria at bay both in the water bottle and in your waterlines.
If you prefer to empty the water from the bottle and let it air dry over the holiday – that is fine. We recommend that you keep the treated water in the waterlines as the low-level antimicrobial in the water will fight bacteria while you are gone.

Upon Return:

The treated water you left in the bottles is active and stable for up to 2 weeks. If you left the water in the bottle over the holiday and it has been less than 2 weeks – it is ok to use that water when you return – but….
Best practice is to start fresh upon return by adding cold fresh water and a new tablet to your bottle
Before seeing patients – flush your waterlines for at least a minute

For Offices Using Straw Treatments (BluTube, DentaPure):

Before the Holiday:

Empty the water bottles – let bottle air dry or replace empty bottle back on the manifold to protect the straw
Leave the treated water in your waterlines – no need to purge your lines dry

Upon Return:

Fill bottles with clean, cold water upon return
Wipe down outside of straw with clean gauze pad or paper towel before reattaching bottle to the unit
Flush the waterlines for 2 minutes to clear out stagnant water

Gone for an extended period – 2 weeks or more

Offices using Tablets:

Before you leave:

Empty water from bottle and purge dry the waterlines. Get them as dry as possible. Let bottle air dry.

Upon Return and Prior to Seeing Patients – Ensure you give yourself enough time

Shock waterlines with either diluted bleach 1:10 (see protocol or watch video) or Liquid Ultra – closely follow the instructions
Fill bottle with fresh, cold water – add tablet(s)
Reattach bottle to the unit and flush for at least 30 seconds

Offices using Straw Treatment

Before you leave:

Empty water from bottle and let bottle air dry
Purge dry lines - get them as dry as possible
Twist off the treatment straw and put it in zip-lock bag
Label zip-lock with operatory name and date you removed the straw and straw installation date (if possible)
Store the bag away from sun exposure
Follow your dental unit manufacturer instructions for storage or periods of inactivity > 2 weeks

Upon Return and Prior to Seeing Patients – Ensure you give yourself enough time to shock and perform test before seeing patients.

Shock waterlines with either diluted bleach 1:10 (see protocol or watch video) or Liquid Ultra – closely follow the instructions
Use a dummy straw to shock – do not shock through BluTube or Treatment straw

After shock is complete and lines are flushed clean

Re-install BluTube or Treatment Straw
Wipe down outside of straw with clean gauze pad or paper towel before reattaching bottle to the unit
Fill water bottle with cold, fresh water
Reattach bottle to the unit and flush for at least 2 minutes
You may notice a slight yellow tint to the water – it should dissipate after the 2 minute flush
Follow your dental unit manufacturer instructions for returning to office following long periods of inactivity

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