10,000 Aussie dental patients urged to get blood tests for HIV and hepatitis
<p>Health experts have urged up to 10,000 dental patients in Sydney to get tested for serious blood-borne diseases, including HIV, after a dentist was found to be breaching hygiene standards.</p>
<p>NSW Health has warned patients of dentist Dr James Pok-Yan Ng, who worked in Ramsay St, Haberfield, to visit a GP for blood tests.</p>
<p>Any patients who have ever visited the Haberfield dentist in the past 35 years, even if they saw a different dentist, have also been encouraged to get screened.</p>
<p>The Dental Council suspects up to 10,000 patients may be affected by the hygiene breach.</p>
<p>In July, an investigation found evidence of filthy dental equipment and a poor practice environment.</p>
<p>Acting director of Sydney Local Health District’s Public Health Unit, Dr Zaina Najjar, said so far, no patients had acquired a blood-borne virus because of the dental clinic.</p>
<p>“Precautionary testing for hepatitis B, C, and HIV is recommended for anyone who attended the clinic over the past 35 years, especially those who had invasive procedures,” Dr Najjar said.</p>
<p>“This would have involved a needle or other instrument piercing the skin, gums or tooth root, or where bleeding may have occurred, but we recommend any patient of this practice sees their GP.”</p>
<p>“The council carries out inspections of dental practices when a complaint is made which raises a possible concern about compliance with our infection control guidelines,” said Dental Council of NSW president Dr Shane Fryer.</p>
<p>“Overwhelmingly, the majority of dental practitioners comply with infection control guidelines, procedures and obligations but if anyone has concerns, we urge you to contact the HCCC or the Dental Council.”</p>
<p>Dr Pok-Yan Ng has since had his registration suspended and has been barred from practicing as a dentist in Australia. </p>
