Health Unit Sends Out Urgent Reminder
Grand Erie Public Health (GEPH) is reminding more than 800 former patients of Dr. George Chan Dentistry in Brantford, Ontario, to get tested for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV, according to documents obtained by CBC News through a freedom-of-information request.
The health unit confirmed that 884 patients were sent letters advising them to seek out screening for the bloodborne infections. The notices went out after concerns were raised about infection control practices at the clinic.
Dentist Resigned in July
According to the dental college, Dr. George Chan resigned from practice in July. The circumstances around the resignation have not been fully detailed publicly, but the timing lines up with when Grand Erie Public Health began its outreach to former patients of the Brantford clinic.
Public health officials say the letters are precautionary, urging anyone who received dental care at the clinic to speak with their doctor about getting tested. Testing for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV is widely available through family physicians, walk-in clinics and local public health units across Ontario.
What Former Patients Should Do
Anyone who was treated at Dr. George Chan Dentistry and is unsure whether they received one of the notification letters is encouraged to contact Grand Erie Public Health directly for guidance. Health officials stress that the risk of transmission through dental procedures is generally low when proper infection control protocols are followed, but screening is being recommended out of an abundance of caution given the scale of the potential exposure.
This kind of patient recall isn't unheard of in Ontario — public health units have issued similar screening reminders in the past when questions arise about a health care provider's sterilization or infection control practices. In those cases, the priority is always making sure former patients have the information they need to get tested quickly and, if necessary, start treatment.
Broader Ontario Context
While this story centres on Brantford, it's a reminder for patients across Ontario, including in Ottawa, to stay on top of routine bloodborne infection screening, particularly after any dental or medical procedure where infection control concerns have been flagged. Local public health units, including Ottawa Public Health, offer confidential testing for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV, and can advise residents on next steps if they have questions about a past procedure at any clinic in the province.
GEPH says it will continue working with affected patients as testing results come in and has not ruled out further updates as the investigation into the clinic's practices continues.
Source: CBC News
