Thousands of people who visited a Sydney dentist over a 25-year period have been urged to get tested for several diseases, including HIV, due to the risk of potential exposure.
NSW Health confirmed authorities had investigated the practice of Dr William Tam at Suite B, 2 Albert Street, Strathfield, and uncovered concerns about infection control practices and record-keeping.
While Dr Tam is now retired and is no longer practising, he saw thousands of patients, and they may have been exposed to bloodborne viruses like HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
Thousands of patients of a Strathfield dentist could be at risk of being exposed to HIV of hepatitis. (Getty)
Because of the poor record-keeping, NSW Health has no way to contact all of his patients.
“As a precaution, we are asking all of Dr Tam’s previous patients to seek testing for bloodborne viruses,” Clinical Director, Public Health, Sydney Local Health District, Dr Leena Gupta, said.
“The poor infection control practices at Dr Tam’s practice means all former patients may be at low risk of a blood-borne 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.”
Patients of Dr Tam have been advised to see their local GP to get tested for the viruses as soon as possible.
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