Update 10/10/24: This post has been updated to reflect Hurricane Milton’s effects on Florida.

Summary: In the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, dental safety experts have introduced the Boil Water Advisory Plan for Dental Practices to help dental professionals prepare for and respond to water contamination issues. The plan provides essential guidance for maintaining safe water use and decontamination protocols during and after boil water advisories.

Key Takeaways:

  • The plan equips dental practices with strategies to ensure safe water use during contaminated water events, particularly in the aftermath of natural disasters.
  • Dental professionals must have protocols in place to prevent the use of contaminated municipal water in patient care and decontaminate equipment after the advisory is lifted.

In response to the widespread flooding and devastation caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, a group of dental safety experts is offering advice to dental professionals on how to prepare for instances where local water sources have been contaminated. The experts have developed the Boil Water Advisory Plan for Dental Practices to help guide dental professionals during boil water advisories.

Key Features of the Boil Water Advisory Plan

“Health Departments and Communities issue Boil Water Notices when the municipal water supply is not safe to drink,” said Jackie Dorst, RDH, orthodontic infection control consultant. “Hurricane Helene caused flooding and power outages that contaminated municipal water in many communities.”

The plan includes practical information for dental practices in areas under an advisory, including what to do during and after the advisory is lifted. It also provides updated guidelines for DUW water treatment systems, instrument washers, and all equipment utilizing municipal water.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE GUIDE

Importance of Safe Water Use in Dental Offices

The group of dental safety experts includes: Marie Fluent, DDS, Karen Gregory, RN, Jackie Dorst, RDH, Katherine Schrubbe, RDH, BS, MEd, PhD, Karen Daw, Dr. Sam Barry, John Molinari, PhD, Ana Lopez Fuentes, DMD, MPH, Joyce Moore, RDH, Monica Satake, CDA, EFDA, and Matt Deck.

“During a community Boil Water Notice, orthodontic and dental offices cannot use municipal water for patient care, hand washing, cleaning instruments, and equipment,” said Dorst. “Offices must have a plan for safe water use during a Boil Water Notice and for decontamination and recovery once the advisory is lifted.”