980 Dental Patients Receive Letters Informing about low Risk Exposure to HIV, Hepatitis

980 Dental Patients Receive Letters Informing about low Risk Exposure to HIV, HepatitisSubmitted by Pallavi Sharma on Fri, 01/17/2014 - 09:50 

A public health investigation carried out at two dental practices by a Sydney dentist has revealed about poor infection control, issues with cleaning and sterilization of reusable dental equipments.
The matter has yet again raised concerns about patients’ safety in dental clinics. The investigation was carried out at the two clinics, one at 255 Castlereagh Street in the city and other at Alfred Street, of Nuha Kamil.
After finding the evidences of poor infection control and hygiene, the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District has sent letters to around 980 patients on January 6. The letter has mentioned about low risk chance of HIV, hepatitis B and C, if they have taken dental treatments at any of these clinics from August 2002 to August 2013.

A spokesman for NSW Health has affirmed that if a sharp instrument has been placed in mouth then patients face low-risk.  ''NSW Health has looked at which procedures each individual patient had, and has made direct contact with all patients thought to be at any risk”, affirmed the spokesman.
He affirmed they should meet their GP and get tested for HIV, hepatitis C and B. This will ensure that the exact status of their health.