Package Description

Water is a vital component of modern dentistry and water supplied from the dental unit is used for most every routine dental procedure. Dental personnel are required to deliver safe water for dental care yet are often confused about why and how to ensure compliance.  This comprehensive program takes a deeper dive into all phases of compliance including the background science, and policies and protocols of maintaining and monitoring dental unit waterlines. 

In this recorded workshop, you’ll hear scenario-based role plays that show how to build buy-in for your waterline program and protect patient safety. You'll learn to identify the microorganisms behind DUWL contamination. You’ll get step-by-step guidance on water testing across different source water options, plus a clear comparison of testing methods, including pooled water testing. The program finishes by guiding you through creating a tailored, written SOP to keep your waterlines compliant in your practice.

Learning Objectives

• Explain the formation of biofilms in dental equipment, associated microorganisms, and related health risks.
• Identify regulatory agencies, guidelines, and best practices that impact safe dental water
• Discuss the importance of instructions for use (IFU) of dental units, germicidal agents, and DUWL testing kits
• Apply evidence-based practices for selecting waterline treatment products and developing standard operating procedures (SOPs) for dental unit waterline maintenance and monitoring.

Price:

• Members & Non-Members: $75.00

Continuing Education

ADS is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider.

ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry.

Concerns or complaints about a CE provider may be directed to the provider or to the Commission for Continuing Education Provider Recognition at ADA.org/CERP.

Please email the ADS office at [email protected] or call +1 (410) 571-0003 if you wish to be in contact with the course author/creator(s) with any questions or for clarification of course concepts or for technical assistance in completing the online test.

All participants assume individual responsibility for providing evidence of contact hours of continuing education to the appropriate authorities and for the maintenance of their individual records.

Learn more about our CE Program & Provider Recognition.

CE Credits: 3.00
Educational Method: Lecture, Recorded, Self-instruction (self-study)
Location: Online
Publication Date: February 2026
Expiration Date: February 28, 2029
Prerequisite: None - Recommended for All

Speakers:

Nancy Dewhirst, BSDH, RDH

Ms. Dewhirst practiced dental hygiene for 20 years, is an adjunct dental hygiene faculty at West Coast University, and a member of Sigma Phi Alpha. She presents over 80 seminars annually in the U.S. and Canada, is Editor-in-Chief of ADS peer-reviewed Infection Control In Practice, recipient of ADS Chairman of the Board Special Citation for Advancing Dental Safety, and has been published in numerous dental journals, textbooks, and guidance documents.

Disclosures: No relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Marie Fluent, DDS, CDIPC, FACD

Dr. Marie Fluent is a graduate of the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. Her dental career spans over 35 years and involves lecturing, writing, and consulting on infection control related topics including antibiotic stewardship and dental unit waterlines. Dr Fluent is a member of the Michigan Dental Association, American Dental Association, and holds Fellowship in the American College of Dentistry. She is a recipient of the Association for Dental Safety Milton Schaefer and Service Leadership Awards. Dr. Fluent is passionate and deeply committed to improving the safety of dental visits and has educated thousands of dental professionals and students nationally and internationally.

Disclosures: No relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Ramneek Rai, DDS

Dr. Rai is the Director of Health and Safety and Health Sciences Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Preventive and Restorative Dental Sciences at UCSF School of Dentistry. She is an alumna of UCSF School of Dentistry where she earned her DDS Degree in 2009. Dr. Rai has been active in private practice and academia after finishing her Advanced Education in General Dentistry at UT Dental Branch, Houston, in 2010. It’s her passion to continue advancing health and safety practices and improving standard of care in terms of infection prevention and control in dental health care settings.

Dr. Rai has served as the Director of Health and Safety at UCSF School of Dentistry since 2018 where she has successfully led the school through the last Commission On Dental Accreditation (CODA) site visit and ensured safe operations at UCSF Dental Center through the COVID-19 pandemic. She has been instrumental in the implementation of various evidence-based measures safeguarding the frontline dental workers and patients during the pandemic. In her day-to-day role, she manages a successful Infection Prevention Program at the 17 dental clinics that fall under UCSF Dental Center, many of which student learners receive their clinical education.

Disclosures: No relevant financial relationships to disclose.

EDUCATIONAL FUNDING PROVIDED BY:

• Agenics Labs
• Air Techniques
• Dentisafe Premium Water Testing
• HuFriedyGroup
• Parkell
• ProEdge Dental Water Labs
• Solmetex

Refund & Cancellation: No refunds will be provided. Registration can be canceled at any time.