Thousands of patients of Sydney dentist urged to get tested for blood-borne viruses

Up to 5000 patients of a Sydney dentist may have been exposed to blood-borne viruses, but a lack of patient records means health authorities are struggling to identify 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 undergo testing for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV as a precaution.

Health authorities conducted an inspection of Tam’s clinic on April 24, following a complaint to the Dental Council of NSW. They found poor infection-control practices, including inadequate sterilisation of equipment and cleaning.

“For this reason, concerns were raised about the potential for blood-borne virus transmission,” Dr Leena Gupta, clinical director of public health at Sydney Local Health District, said.

“The risk is low, but we are encouraging testing as a precautionary measure,” she said.

Tam retired two weeks later and is no longer a registered dentist, Gupta said.

Gupta said thousands of people may have been seen by Tam over the past 25 years, but the practices’ record-keeping was so poor that NSW Health is unable to identify and contact patients.

“Patients who underwent invasive dental procedures [in which] instruments may have pierced the skin or the root of the tooth or the gum or drawn blood, would be at a slightly higher risk, but overall, the risk ... is still considered to be low,” she said.

No cases of blood-borne viruses linked to Tam’s practice have been detected.

Gupta 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.

Call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222 for free, instant health advice at any time.