INVISIBLE THREATS: WATER CONTAMINATION IN DENTAL UNIT WATERLINES

Book Description: What if the greatest threat to patient safety in your dental practice isn’t visible to the naked eye? Invisible Threats uncovers the often-overlooked danger lurking inside the very systems designed to care for patients: dental unit waterlines (DUWLs). In this groundbreaking book, chemist and environmental engineer and healthcare researcher Gamal E.O. Elhag-Idris presents a comprehensive investigation into how microbial contamination forms inside waterline tubing—and how it can silently endanger patients, staff, and the integrity of dental care. Drawing on the latest data from the CDC, FDA, ADA, and peer-reviewed studies, this book examines: The science behind biofilm development and microbial risks in DUWLs Real-world outbreaks that led to infection, surgery, and legal action International standards and regulatory frameworks for waterline safety Proven disinfection protocols and modern maintenance technologies Research gaps, policy weaknesses, and actionable reform strategies From Legionella pneumophila to Mycobacterium abscessus, this book names the threats, traces their transmission routes, and offers solutions that are accessible to both small dental clinics and global health authorities. Whether you’re a dentist, hygienist, researcher, policymaker, or infection control specialist, this reference will change how you think about the water flowing through your practice every day. This book is more than a manual—it’s a wake-up call to prioritize water quality as an ethical and clinical obligation. With compelling evidence, case studies, and strategic insights, Invisible Threats offers the knowledge and tools needed to protect lives and restore trust in the waterlines we rely on. Perfect for: Dental professionals Public health officials Infection control educators Environmental health researchers Medical and dental regulators