Case Study: One Dr.'s Dental Waterline Compliance Dilemma

When was the last time you had to solve a technical problem you knew absolutely nothing about? We’ve all been there. It’s stressful.

That’s how Dr. Cindy Kempton of Bright Creek Dental felt when she realized one of the water sources in her dental office was not in compliance with standards set by the Center for Disease Control (CDC).

Dr. Kempton was at an annual training when water safety was being discussed. During this training it became apparent Dr. Kempton may have water sources with higher than acceptable microbial counts.

She told us, “Professional organizations haven’t been good about stressing the importance of testing water. Nobody has time to think about it unless someone says it’s an issue.”

Dr. Kempton Knew Testing Was the Only Way to Know if Her Water Was Safe

Dr. Kempton uses distilled water in her closed water system to protect her dental equipment from mineral deposits. Unlike municipal water, the standards for dental water have not been strictly followed, however both are required to meet the CDC benchmark of ≤ 500 CFU/mL. With the busy schedule of running a dental practice, figuring out whether the office's dental unit waterlines were in compliance with safety standards was a little intimidating.

What if I fail? What does that mean for my patients? What does it say about my practice? How in the world do I fix the problem if I discover I have one?

These are some of the common questions that can become overwhelming, but like most dentists, Dr. Kempton’s first priority is the safety of her patients, but she didn’t know where to start. Immediately after Dr. Kempton realized she would need to test her closed water source, someone referred her to ProEdge Dental Water Labs because of our consultation services.

From Pressure to Relief

When Dr. Kempton called ProEdge she was glad when Waterline Safety Specialist, Kellie Thimmes, answered the phone and offered insight and guidance. For the first time, Dr. Kempton said, someone was able to provide clarity on the standards set by the CDC, the purpose behind those standards, and the practical steps required to be in compliance.

“ProEdge isn't just selling their product, they are helping you, the doctor - or the office - solve the failed test,” said Dr. Kempton.

Coupled with this information, the assurance of knowing someone would be available to guide her through the process of testing, troubleshooting, and treating her water was a relief. When the testing kit arrived, Dr. Kempton was pleasantly surprised. “It was so simple and user-friendly."

Enclosed with the kit were all the supplies required to test the water along with a checklist to ensure everything is done correctly. The process was mapped out with easy-to-understand instructions.

Not only was Dr. Kempton relieved to have managed her water supply problem, she enjoyed the peace of mind knowing that whenever she called ProEdge, Kellie would be familiar with the nuanced details related to her practice.

"When I called, Kellie, she immediately knew me by name, my office, and what the situation was. I could tell she cared.”

Now, Dr. Kempton knows she has safe water. Testing isn't something she dreads anymore; in fact, it's something she looks forward to.

“They solve the problem from start to finish," says Dr. Kempton.