Bacteriological Evaluation of a Novel Waterline-Independent Dental Water Delivery System: An in Vivo Pilot Study

Background Dental unit waterlines (DUWLs) are considered highly conducive to the survival and multiplication of pathogenic microorganisms. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the ability of an innovative device to maintain the sterility of delivered water over six months of routine clinical use. The DentiPure KM™ (KM, Beirut, Lebanon), provides an independent sterile water supply separate from conventional DUWLs. Bacteriological analyses were conducted monthly over six months. Methods The protocol was implemented over a six-month period of clinical use of the DentiPure KM™. Strict aseptic measures included filling the device with sterile water, and daily autoclaving of the air/water syringes post-treatment. Monthly, the sterility of the delivered water was assessed: a one-liter sample was collected directly from the device’s water syringe and sent immediately for bacteriological analysis using the membrane filtration technique. The microorganisms studied were total aerobic flora, Pseudomonas aeruginosa , total coliforms, fecal coliforms, Escherichia coli , fecal streptococci, and sulfite-reducing anaerobes. Results All six samples were found to be sterile (0 CFU/mL). No bacterial contamination was detected, confirming the device’s capacity to deliver sterile water under clinical conditions. Conclusion The innovative DentiPure KM™ device constitutes a reliable and sterile alternative to conventional dental chair waterlines, which are recognized reservoirs of important microbial contamination.