Up to 5000 patients of a Sydney dentist may have been exposed to blood-borne viruses over more than 25 years, but a lack of patient records means health authorities are struggling to find and alert them.
NSW Health is urging all patients treated by Dr William Tam, who practised at Suite B, 2 Albert Road, Strathfield, to see their GP or healthcare provider to be tested for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV, as a precaution.
Health authorities conducted an inspection of Tam’s clinic, following a complaint to the Dental Council of NSW about poor infection control practices and patient record-keeping.
Tam retired following the inspection and is no longer a registered dentist, NSW Health said in a statement.
Dr Leena Gupta, clinical director of public health at Sydney Local Health District, said thousands of people may have been seen by Tam over the past 25 years, but there are no patient records that would enable NSW Health to contact them.
“The poor infection control practices at Dr Tam’s practice mean all former patients may be at low risk of a blood-borne virus infection, which can have serious and long-lasting health impacts,” Gupta said.
She said people with HIV, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C may not have any symptoms for decades, stressing the importance that anyone potentially exposed seeks testing, so they can access effective treatments if necessary.
NSW Health directed former patients of Tam to fact sheets on hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV, and to contact their GP or Healthdirect for further information.
More to come.
