A dentist in Sydney's inner west side has been found to have violated cleaning guidelines. The dentist has been working for nearly 35 years, and health authorities have begun to urge patients who have been treated by the dentist to test for serious diseases, including hepatitis and HIV.
The new state health department has urged patients to check for blood-borne disease as long as they have received treatment from Haberfield's dentist, James Pok-Yan Ng.
Pok-Yan Ng was suspended after the Healthcare Complaints Commission asked the New State Dental Council about bad hygiene practices with James Pok-Yan Ng.
Subsequent checks confirmed concerns that James Pok-Yan Ng's clinic violated guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting.
Dr. Zeina Najjar, acting director of public health in Sydney's local health district, said that so far no patient has been found to have acquired blood-derived venereal disease from dental surgery.
She says the risk of infection is low.
"patients who have been treated at this dental clinic for 35 years, especially those who have undergone invasive surgery, need preventive testing for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV," Dr. Zeina Najjar said. "that kind of invasive surgery usually requires a needle or other tool to pierce the skin, gums or roots of teeth, or where bleeding may occur, but we recommend that any patient go to a doctor in this case."
Dr. Shane Fryer, chairman of the New State Dental Council, said inspectors found that cleaning and disinfection during surgery violated Australian Dental Council guidelines.
"when there was a complaint that the dental clinic had violated cleaning guidelines, the committee examined the dental clinic."
"the vast majority of dentists follow infection control guidelines, procedures and obligations, but if there are concerns, we recommend that patients contact the HCCC or dental committee."