Are Your Dental Chairs Truly Protected Against Legionella?

Dental practices are on the front line of patient care, but their water systems face hidden risks that are often overlooked. Narrow waterlines in dental units create a perfect breeding ground for biofilms, which are layers of microorganisms that can harbour dangerous bacteria. 

Among the most concerning are Legionella, Pseudomonas, and Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM), which spread primarily through dental tools and ultrasonic scalers. At the same time, bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella may pass into drinking water from cup fillers if not properly filtered. This is where Inline PureFlow® provides a proven solution. 

Inline PureFlow® Blue & Red Legionella Filters are engineered specifically for dental chairs, combining two key functions. 

The Red Filter reduces suspended solids and debris, protecting waterlines and extending the life of the ultrafiltration membrane. The Blue Filter uses a hollow-fibre membrane with a pore size of 0.08 μm, achieving Log 8 (99.999999%) bacterial reduction, reducing pathogens such as Legionella, Pseudomonas, NTM, E. coli, and Salmonella.

They deliver safe drinking water from cup fillers and reduce aerosolised contamination from handpieces and instruments when installed at the T-junction of the chair.

What Happens If Waterlines Are Left Unprotected?

Without effective point-of-use filtration, biofilms inside dental unit waterlines continue to grow unchecked. These biofilms release bacteria into the water stream every time a patient uses a cup filler or a dentist operates a handpiece.

The risks include:

• Patient exposure to harmful pathogens

• Aerosolised contamination for staff

• Biofilms are extremely difficult to remove and can clog lines

• An outbreak could lead to emergency shutdowns or costly disinfection

Unprotected dental waterlines pose a threat to safety, turning what could be a simple preventive measure into a costly liability. 

That’s why our Inline PureFlow® Blue & Red Filters provide dental units with the protection they need. The Blue Filter utilises 0.08 μm ultrafiltration to reduce bacteria, while the Red Filter removes sediments to extend service life.

Introducing Inline PureFlow®: Point-of-Use Dental Chair Filtration

Every day, dental procedures depend heavily on water. From rinsing during cleanings to operating high-speed drills, waterlines are in constant use. But these systems are:

• The narrow design of dental waterlines makes it easy for biofilms to form and grow.

• When water remains stagnant overnight or between patients, it creates ideal conditions for bacteria to multiply.

• During treatments, the contaminated water is turned into aerosols that patients and staff can inhale.

This makes dental units uniquely vulnerable to waterborne pathogens. 

Studies show contamination in dental waterlines is about 85% when measured by ADA standards, 77% by CDC guidelines, and nearly 70% under other benchmarks.

Infections caused by Legionella or NTM can compromise patient safety, disrupt operations, as well as lead to costly regulatory consequences.

The Inline PureFlow® system is independently tested and compliant with U.S. and international standards:

• ASTM F838-2020 for Log 8 bacterial reduction

• NSF/ANSI and ASSE 2011-2022 standards, certified by IAPMO

• EPA WaterSense recognized

• Tested in accordance with ASHRAE performance criteria

• CE marked and compliant with EU Drinking Water Directive (2020/2184), DIN EN 16421 & 58356

Key Features of Inline PureFlow®

• 0.08 μm Ultrafiltration (Blue Filter): Certified Log 8 (99.999999%) bacterial reduction, reducing Legionella, Pseudomonas, NTM, E. coli, and Salmonella.

• Sediment Filtration (Red Filter): Reduces suspended solids and protects the ultrafiltration membrane, extending its service life.

• Long-Lasting Performance: Effective for 6-12 months, depending on local water quality.

• No Downtime Installation: Quick and simple replacement ensures uninterrupted use of the chair.

Using both Inline PureFlow® Blue (ultrafiltration) and Red (sediment filtration) provides:

• Stronger protection

• Extended filter life

• Long-term water safety for every dental chair

How Inline PureFlow® Works in Dental Chairs?

Inline PureFlow® integrates directly into the waterline at the chair’s T-junction, where the flow splits between the cup filler and the dental instruments.

• Cup filler: The Red filter removes sediments, while the Blue ultrafiltration membrane provides additional protection against E. coli, Salmonella, and other bacteria that may be present in drinking water, ensuring every sip is safe.

• Handpieces and instruments: The Blue hollow-fibre ultrafiltration membrane (0.08 μm) achieves a Log 8 bacterial reduction, thereby reducing the entry of Legionella, Pseudomonas, and NTM into aerosols generated by drills, scalers, and syringes. Hence, protecting both patients and staff from airborne exposure.

Inline PureFlow® ensures safer water delivery during every procedure, while maintaining natural taste, reliable flow, and long-lasting performance.

Smart Filtration for Safer Dental Chairs

Infection control in dentistry doesn’t stop at sterilizing instruments. This contamination even reaches the water that patients and staff are exposed to. 

Inline PureFlow® filtration offers a certified and cost-effective way to protect every dental chair, ensuring safer water, healthier patients, and stronger compliance.

Learn more about Inline PureFlow® solutions for dental practices or contact the Mentor Water Technologies team for a technical consultation.