Thousands of patients of a Sydney dentist are being urged to get tested for blood-borne viruses amid concerns they may have been exposed to hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. Up to 5,000 people are believed to have been potentially impacted after major concerns were raised about infection control practices at a Strathfield dental practice.
NSW Health issues urgent warning
NSW Health is urging all patients treated by Dr William Tam, who practised at Suite B, 2 Albert Road, Strathfield, to see their GP or healthcare provider to be tested for the viruses as a precaution. It comes as Dr Tam — a now-retired dentist of 25 years — was audited in April after a complaint was made by a patient to the Dental Council of NSW. The audit also raised concerns about patient record keeping.
Authorities unable to contact patients directly
Dr Leena Gupta, clinical director of public health at Sydney Local Health District, said authorities have not been able to contact his patients as there are no records that can be used. 'As a precaution, we are asking all of Dr Tam's previous patients to seek testing for blood-borne viruses,' Dr Gupta said. 'The poor infection control practices at Dr Tam's practice means all former patients may be at low risk of a blood borne virus infection, which can have serious and long-lasting health impacts.'
'People with HIV, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C may not have any symptoms for decades, so it is important that people at risk of these infections are tested, so that they can access treatment as appropriate. There are effective treatments available for all three conditions,' she added.
What patients should do
NSW Health said former patients of Dr Tam who want more information should review the NSW Health FAQs and if they have further questions, to contact their GP or contact Healthdirect on 1800 022 222. NSW Health confirmed Tam is no longer a registered dentist.
