Oklahoma Health Officials Advise Dental Patients To Get Tested Amid HIV Fears
Health officials in Oklahoma have advised dental patients to attend a testing clinic after concerns were raised about a dental practice in Tulsa. Patients registered with Dr W Scott Harrington’s practice have been advised to get tested for HIV and hepatitis B and C.
Dr Harrington has been practising for 36 years an has now closed the practice amid fears of exposure to HIV and hepatitis B and C, health inspectors found rusty instruments at the Tulsa surgery and recorded issues with safety and hygiene. All patients who have received treatment at the practice since 2007 have now been urged to visit the testing clinic, which has been set up by the state. Tests are available free of charge.
In a letter, state health officials said that there was no way of knowing whether individual patients have been exposed to blood-borne diseases and this is why they are encouraging all patients to get tested, as there is a possibility that they may have been exposed to “infectious materials.”
Joyce Baylor, a former patient who visited the practice for tooth extraction around 18 months ago, said that she was shocked to hear of the news because she said the surgery looked very clean. She also told the press that she was sure that the dentist was not struggling financially and therefore should be able to buy new instruments and equipment.
The investigation was launched by state officials after a patient tested positive for hepatitis C and HIV despite not having any risk factors for either disease; investigations revealed that the patient had dental treatment at the time exposure occurred and officials decided to press ahead and write to patients who may have been infected at the Tulsa practice.
Dr Harrington has voluntarily closed the practice and given up his licence and he is cooperating with investigators; he will attend a hearing on April 19th and there is a chance that his licence will be taken away on a permanent basis.
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