Orillia dental patients urged to get Hep B, C tests

ORILLIA — Health unit officials are once again reminding dental patients of a clinic in Orillia to be tested for hepititis B and C after instruments weren’t cleaned.

Patients of Joe Philip and Associates between Jan. 2012 and Dec. 2017 are urged to get checked.

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) recommends patients who have received dental services at the dental clinic previously known as Joe Philip and Associates located at 18 Wyandotte Street in Orillia between January 1, 2012 and December 18, 2017, discuss possible testing for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) with their health care provider.

SMDHU says its reminder is a result of two reports of hepatitis C cases in individuals who had received dental services at the clinic between the dates noted. Both individuals sought testing as a result of the health unit‘s recommendation in February that patients who attended the clinic between the dates above should consult with a health care provider to discuss possible testing.

Their original recommendation in February was a result of an investigation by SMDHU that identified that patients who attended the dental clinic between January 1, 2012 and December 18, 2017 may have been exposed to dental instruments that were not cleaned and sterilized properly according to the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario infection prevention and control guidelines.

Improper cleaning, disinfection and sterilization of medical and dental instruments can spread infectious diseases such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) to patients. The risk of infection with disease in this situation is low.

For more information, call 705-721-7520 or 1- 877-721-7520, extension 5828, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or check the health unit website at www.smdhu.org/ipac.