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Thousands of patients of Sydney dentist urged to get tested for bloodborne viruses

Thousands of people who visited a Sydney dentist over a 25-year period have been urged to get tested for viruses after an audit raised concerns about sterilisation and cleaning at the practice.

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.

Sydney Local Health District Staff Specialist Dr Zeina Najjar said an audit occurred in April following a complaint, which found "deficiencies in the sterilisation of equipment and in cleaning practices".

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Dr Zeina Najjar.

"[The Dental Council of NSW] conducted the initial audit and flagged the issue with [the Sydney Local Health District].

"There have been no cases of bloodborne virus transmission linked to this practice, but we are still recommending testing as a precautionary measure," Najjar said.

While Tam is now retired and no longer registered as a dental practitioner, he saw thousands of patients.

Najjar said that due to "poor" and "incomplete" record-keeping, NSW Health has no way to contact all of its 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.

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"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 or contact Healthdirect

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