Get tested for HIV and hepatitis: Australian authorities warn patients of a retired dentist of bloodborne viruses

Australian authorities have issued an urgent warning to thousands of patients of a retired dentist, urging them to undergo testing for serious bloodborne viruses due to ‘poor infection control practices’.Patients of Dr William Tam, who practised at Suite B, 2 Albert Road, Strathfield, ‘should see their GP or healthcare provider to be tested for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV,’ the New South Wales (NSW) state health ministry said in a statement on Wednesday. Now retired and no longer registered, the dentist had been practising for more than 25 years.The poor infection control practices came to light when the Dental Council of NSW conducted an audit at Dr Tam’s premises recently. They raised concerns about infection control practices at the premises, as well as patient record-keeping.The authorities believe thousands of people may have been seen by Dr Tam in the last 25 years; however, there are no records that can be used to contact them. ‘As a precaution, we are asking all of Dr Tam’s previous patients to seek testing for bloodborne viruses,’ Dr Leena Gupta, Clinical Director, Public Health, Sydney Local Health District, said.Dr Gupta added that the poor infection control practices mean all former patients may be at low risk of a bloodborne virus infection, which can have serious and long-lasting health impacts."People with HIV, hepatitis B or hepatitis C may not have any symptoms for decades, so it is important that people at risk of these infections are tested so that they can access treatment as appropriate. There are effective treatments available for all three conditions," Dr Gupta cautioned.Dr Zeina Najjar, a staff specialist in the Sydney Local Health District, stated that Tam’s clinic was audited in April, and inspectors found poor cleaning practices and inadequately sterilised equipment. The dentist, however, retired two weeks after the audit, local media reported.Patients who have visited Dr Tam should get tested for bloodborne infections. Those who want more information should review the NSW Health FAQs and fact sheets on hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. You can contact your GP or Healthdirect on 1800 022 222 if you have further concerns.Those who are distressed by this news and need mental health support can call the 24-hour free service Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511. Support for people who live in NSW and who are from culturally and linguistically diverse communities is also available via the Transcultural Mental Health Line on 1800 648 911, the authorities said.