Sydney dental patients in HIV scare

NSW health authorities are set to warn that around 11,000 dental patients of two Sydney clinics may have been exposed to HIV and hepatitis, it’s been reported.

Female dentist at work conducting check-up patient.

NSW health authorities are set to warn that around 11,000 dental patients of two Sydney clinics may have been exposed to HIV and hepatitis, it’s been reported.

NSW Health has found breaches of infection control due to poor cleaning and equipment sterilisation at The Gentle Dentist practices at Campsie in Sydney’s southwest and in Sussex Street in the city, Fairfax Media reports.

The chain reportedly advertises itself as a “HIV-friendly” dental care provider.

There is a small possibility that those who had invasive procedures at the surgeries, owned by dentist Samson Chan, could have been infected with hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV, NSW Health is to inform patients.

The authorities are also reportedly contacting patients of another dentist, Robert Starkenburg, who runs practices in Surry Hills and Bondi Junction.