National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) Practice Exam

Is it true or false that viruses, such as HIV, can multiply in dental unit water lines (DUWLs)?

1. True

2. False

3. It depends on the water temperature

4. Only in specific conditions

The correct answer is: False

In this context, the statement about whether viruses like HIV can multiply in dental unit water lines is actually true. While HIV is known to be a fragile virus that does not survive long outside the human body and does not reproduce in inanimate environments, microorganisms such as bacteria are typically responsible for what can happen in dental unit water lines. HIV specifically requires host cells to replicate, which are not available in the dental unit water lines. Therefore, the best understanding revolves around the environment inside DUWLs: they are environments where bacteria can flourish due to biofilm formation but are not suitable for the multiplication of viruses like HIV. The misconception regarding the ability of viruses to multiply in DUWLs stems from confusion with bacterial growth and biofilm, which is a concern in dental settings. This reflects fundamental concepts about microbial life cycles and the environmental conditions needed for them, further emphasizing that viruses have unique requirements that differ significantly from those of bacteria.