Thousands of Cardiff Dental Patients Contacted Over Infection Concerns
Cardiff and Vale Health Board and Public Health Wales have contacted more than 3,000 dental patients amid fears that a dentist re-used dental instruments and failed to follow the correct infection control procedures.
More than 3,000 patients registered at Splott Road Dental Surgery have been contacted by health officials and the dentist in question, Mark Roberts, has been suspended.
Mr Roberts was removed by authorities after a whistleblower revealed that he re-used syringes and files used for root canal treatment. Patients registered at the practice between 1989 and 2015 have been sent a letter informing them of the situation and providing them with details of people who can help if they have concerns about infection or questions about the situation in general. Specialist helplines have also been set up.
Executive nurse director at the board, Ruth Walker, said that around 3,200 patients have been sent a letter, but it is possible that other patients have come into contact with Mr Roberts over the course of the last 25 years. Anyone who is concerned about the situation is advised to contact the health board. Officials have insisted that the risk of infections such as hepatitis B and C and HIV are extremely low. However, people who have a higher risk of contracting infections will be offered a blood test to give them peace of mind.
The surgery is now under new ownership and current patients have been reassured that the concerns do not relate to current members of staff.
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