Thousands Of People Could Have Been Exposed to HIV and Hepatitis in Sydney Dental Clinics

There has been a major dental hygiene scare in Sydney after an investigation into infection control standards at four dental clinics.

Over 10 years, it's thought that up to 11,000 patients could have potentially been exposed to HIV and hepatitis due to poor steralisation, cleaning and storage of instruments.

Public health investigations began after patients made complaints to the NSW Dental Council. Audits show dental practices were not complying with official guidelines.

The Dental Council of NSW says there is a low risk of transmission of infectious diseases for patients who had invasive procedures at the Gentle Dentist.

Up to six dentists have been suspended.

Patients of one of the suspended dentists have been urged to see their GP for testing for HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C as a precaution.

Health authorities stressed that they had no evidence of an infection occurring but that there was still a low risk for some people.

“The issue is if a patient with a blood-borne virus had attended one of the surgeries and the instruments weren’t sterilised effectively… there is a small risk that the viruses might be transferred to that next patient,” said Dr Jeremy McAnulty from NSW Health.

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