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Patients of a retired dental practitioner in Strathfield who practised for more than 25 years are being advised to seek testing for bloodborne viruses.
NSW Health advises all patients who were seen by Dr William Tam, who practised at Suite B, 2 Albert Road, Strathfield, that while the risk is low, they may have potentially been exposed and should see their GP or healthcare provider to be tested for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV.
A recent audit of Dr Tam's premises by the Dental Council of NSW identified concerns about the infection control practices at the premises, as well as patient record keeping.
Dr Tam has since retired and is no longer a registered dentist.
Clinical Director, Public Health, Sydney Local Health District, Dr Leena Gupta, said it is believed thousands of people may have been seen by Dr Tam in the last 25 years but 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 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."
Former patients of Dr Tam who want more information should review the NSW Health FAQs (link) and fact sheets on hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV. If they have further questions, they can speak to their GP or contact Healthdirect on 1800 022 222.
Anyone distressed by this news and needing mental health support can call the Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511. It is a free service operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is staffed by trained mental health professionals who offer mental health advice and referrals to local mental health services.
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.
Need support in your language? You can call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) on 131 450 and ask for Healthdirect.
