Patients of retired dentist warned of bloodborne viruses, including HIV

"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."

"Authorities in Australia have issued a warning to patients of a retired dentist, urging them to test themselves for bloodborne viruses due to "poor infection control practices" at the clinic."

"Tam's clinic was audited in April, during which inspectors identified poor cleaning practices and inadequately sterilised equipment. Tam retired two weeks after the audit, local media reported."

Authorities in Australia warned former patients of retired dentist Dr William Tam to test for bloodborne viruses because of poor infection control practices at his clinic in Strathfield, western Sydney. The NSW state health ministry said thousands of patients may have been exposed to hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV, while noting the risk is low. The ministry urged patients to see a doctor and get tested, emphasizing that these infections can have no symptoms for decades and require timely treatment. Dr Leena Gupta said all former patients may be at low risk and that there were no records to contact them. An April audit found poor cleaning practices and inadequately sterilised equipment, and Tam retired shortly afterward.

Read at www.bbc.com