Legionella Awareness for Dental Practices – Online Training Course

Learn how to prevent Legionella and keep your dental practice safe

This online Legionella in Dentistry course teaches dental professionals how to identify, prevent, and control the risks of Legionella bacteria in dental practices. It explains how Legionella can grow in dental unit water systems and what steps your practice must take to stay safe, compliant, and legally protected.

The course is suitable for dentists, dental nurses, hygienists, therapists, practice managers, and support staff. No previous knowledge is required.

Course Overview

Legionella is a harmful bacteria that can grow in water systems if they are not properly maintained. In dental practices, this can include dental unit waterlines, taps, and other water outlets.

This course gives your dental team a clear understanding of:

• What Legionella is and where it comes from
• How to prevent Legionella growth in dental unit water systems
• How to reduce risks to patients and staff
• What the law requires dental practices to do

By the end of the course, learners will understand how to manage water safety correctly and confidently within a dental setting.

Assessment & Certification

• The course includes a short online assessment
• A pass mark of 80% is required
• You can retake the assessment if needed at no extra cost
• After passing, you will receive a downloadable certificate for your CPD records

Course Aims

This course aims to help learners:

• Understand what Legionella is
• Learn how Legionella spreads in dental practices
• Prevent and control Legionella risks
• Understand legal responsibilities and risk assessment requirements

Learning Objectives

By completing this course, learners will be able to:

• Explain what Legionella bacteria is and where it can be found in a dental practice
• Identify conditions that allow Legionella to grow and how to stop it
• Understand the health risks of Legionnaires’ disease and who is most at risk
• Describe testing and monitoring requirements for dental unit water systems
• Explain why a Legionella risk assessment is needed and how often it must be carried out

Professional Standards

GDC Development Outcome: C

FAQs – Legionella in Dentistry

What is Legionella?

Legionella is a type of bacteria found in water systems. If inhaled through water droplets, it can cause a serious illness called Legionnaires’ disease.

Why is Legionella a risk in dental practices?

Dental unit waterlines can create the perfect conditions for Legionella to grow if not properly maintained.

Who should take this course?

This course is suitable for all members of the dental team, including dentists, nurses, hygienists, therapists, and practice managers.

Is a Legionella risk assessment legally required?

Yes. Dental practices are legally required to carry out regular Legionella risk assessments and control measures.

Does this course provide a certificate?

Yes. A downloadable certificate is available after successfully passing the assessment.