The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a Health Advisory (HAN) linked here about a number of outbreaks of nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) among children who received pulpotomies in dental clinics where dental treatment water contained high levels of bacteria.

Referenced in the HAN is one such outbreak that occurred in Orange County in 2016, where 71 children had odontogenic NTM infections following pulpotomy procedures. This outbreak was linked to a failure to use disinfectants on the dental unit waterlines or regularly monitor water quality.

The CDC HAN provides specific recommendations to help identify and prevent NTM infections associated with dental procedures for the following groups:

• Dental Providers
• Dental Facilities

Medical providers should consider an odontogenic source for cervical lymphadenitis or lymphadenopathy and assess a history of dental care and procedures in all children presenting with lymphadenitis.