NPR Shines Light On Mycobacterium Abscessus Outbreak in ANAHEIM

“When people go to the dentist, they generally expect to leave in better health than when they walked in.”

This opening line in National Public Radio's article on the outbreak of dental mycobacterium infections in Anaheim, California says it all. It’s all about protection patients.

Mycobacterium abscessus is bacteria that’s very difficult to treat with antibiotics and dental unit waterlines are the perfect environment for growing this kind of nasty bacteria. In Anaheim, California 72 children experienced this serious infection and the immediate and lifelong implications of such trauma.

Here’s the real problem: The vast majority of dental unit waterlines (DUWLs) are not being tested to know whether treatments are successful - as many of them repeatedly fail. Dentists need an efficient and affordable solution to a problem that may not have even been on their radar.

Thankfully, awareness about the importance of maintaining safe water in dental practices is increasing. The media coverage of recent outbreaks has made the public more conscious of this safety concern and leaders in the field are pushing for greater compliance.

As this shift in the dental water safety conversation continues, ProEdge Dental Water Labs is excited to help every dentist know exactly what’s in their water and how they can continuously keep their patients safe.