Dental clinic ordered to close due to infection concerns
HEALTH WARNING
A Smithfield dental clinic has been ordered to cease providing services in the face of possible problems with infection control practices.
Essential Dental for Life will not provide any dental services after patients are believed to have been placed at a low risk of being exposed to a blood-borne virus such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C or HIV.
Dr Don Mackie, Executive Director of Medical Services, Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service said that the Tropical Public Health Unit (Cairns) had taken the action under the Public Health Act.
The Office of the Health Ombudsman has also taken immediate action to impose conditions on a dentist operating at the clinic.
The action requires the practitioner cease practising until such time as an audit is conducted to assess infection control and sterilisation processes and procedures.
Dr Mackie said investigations by public health officials raised concerns about inadequate infection control standards at the private clinic.
“The risk of disease transmission is very small,” Dr Mackie said.
“We are notifying the public as investigations have revealed potential ongoing problems.
“Although we have no indication that any infectious or transmissible disease has been contracted by patients, it is important people are tested."
Dr Mackie said if a patient of the dental clinic did return a positive test result, it does not necessarily mean they contracted the disease at the clinic.
“It should be noted that a positive result for one of these infections will not necessarily mean that the patient was infected at Essential Dental for Life dental practice, as there are other sources of these infections,” Dr Mackie said.
“In the unlikely event a patient tests positive for one of these infections, early diagnosis and treatment by appropriate medical specialists can prevent serious health complications and prevent transmission to others.”
The Tropical Public Health Unit will identify and contact people who have been treated at the private clinic since March 2018 to discuss testing for blood borne diseases.
Patients of Essential Dental for Life dental practice may choose to attend their GP to arrange testing for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV.
For patients who do not have a regular doctor, 13HEALTH will be able to assist in identifying doctors in the area.
13HEALTH staff will be offering appointments for patients of the Essential Dental for Life dental practice at special clinics where patients can receive counselling, blood testing, and advice.
The clinic staff will also follow up with patients after test results are received.
If you have concerns, please call 13HEALTH (13 432 584) or see your GP.
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