Saturday, March 30, 2013

US dentist put 7,000 patiens at risk of HIV and other diseases

This happened in United States but it can happen anywhere, including clinics at your backyard.

I'm not implying that your favourite dentist is guilty of dirty equipment but it is always wise to be observant and put up a wandering eyes the next time you go into the treatment room of a dental healthcare. The risk - contracting Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV.

Oh no!


US dentist put 7,000 patients at risk of HIV, other diseases

CHICAGO: A dirty dentist placed 7,000 patients at risk of contracting HIV and other infectious diseases after failing to properly sterilize equipment at his Oklahoma practice, health officials warned Thursday.

Officials do not yet know if any patients were infected but urged everyone who had ever been treated at the Tulsa oral surgery practice to be tested at a free clinic.

"We do not know how long these improper practices have been occurring, so we recommend that all patients of Dr. (Scott) Harrington's be tested for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV," the Oklahoma health department said in a statement.

"It should be noted that transmission in this type of occupational setting is rare."

Inspectors discovered a host of problems with the Tulsa dental practice earlier this month and Harrington voluntarily shut his doors until the investigation is complete.

In addition to the rusty equipment, inspectors also found expired drugs - including a vial that should have been thrown out in 1993 - and a host of other violations, the Tulsa World reported.-AFP

Further readings at: PHILLY.COM

2 comments:

LifeRamblings said...

OMG, that sounds terrifying. thanks for the reminder.

Anonymous said...

US, the land of limitless possibility.