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Australia: Patients of Retired Dentist Asked to Test for Bloodborne Virus
Authorities say thousands of former patients may have been exposed to hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV after an audit found infection-control concerns.
- On Wednesday, NSW Health urged all former patients of Strathfield dentist Dr. William Tam to undergo testing for HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C following an audit revealing poor infection control practices.
- The Dental Council of NSW conducted an audit at Tam's Suite B, 2 Albert Road clinic in April, identifying substandard cleaning and sterilization; authorities cannot notify patients directly due to incomplete records.
- Sydney Local Health District Clinical Director Dr. Leena Gupta said the poor infection control practices mean "all former patients may be at low risk of a blood-borne virus infection, which can have serious and long-lasting health impacts."
- Former patients are urged to consult their GP for testing; Healthdirect is available at 1800 022 222, and the Mental Health Line at 1800 011 511 provides support for those distressed by this news.
- This alert follows a similar precautionary measure in October involving a dentist in Sydney's southwest; authorities emphasize that effective treatments exist for all three conditions, though symptoms may remain dormant for decades.
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After a dental check-up, serious deficiencies were revealed, so thousands of former patients are being asked for screening tests.
·Budapest, Hungary
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Thousands who visited Sydney dentist urged to get tested for bloodborne viruses
Thousands of people who visited a Sydney dentist over a 25-year period have been urged to get tested for several diseases, including HIV, due to the risk of potential exposure.NSW Health confirmed authorities had investigated the practice of Dr William Tam at Suite B, 2 Albert Street, Strathfield, and uncovered concerns about infection control practices and record-keeping.While Dr Tam is now retired and is no longer practising, he saw thousands …
·Australia
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Total News Sources17
Leaning Left5Leaning Right6Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution46% Right
Bias Distribution
- 46% of the sources lean Right
46% Right
L 39%
15%
R 46%
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