The New South Wales Government has warned decades worth of patients at a dental surgery in Sydney's inner-west they could have been infected with bloodborne viruses.
Dr James Pok-Yan Ng was suspended last month after his cleaning and sterilisation practices in Haberfield breached Australian Dental Guidelines.
After a tip-off from a concerned patient, the clinic was inspected last month and it was found that the dental equipment and practice were poorly cleaned.
Sydney Local Health District [SLHD] said patients who had visited the Ramsay Street practice in the past 35 years should get precautionary testing for hepatitis B, C and HIV.
Acting director of SLHD's Public Health Unit Zeina Najjar said anyone who has attended the clinic should be tested, particularly if they had multiple, invasive procedures.
"This would have involved a needle or other instrument that pierced the skin, gums or tooth root, or where bleeding may have occurred," Dr Najjar said.
The health department is urging patients from the clinic to get tested, but said they should not be alarmed.
"I would like to stress that the risk to patients is low and this is a precautionary measure," Dr Najjar said.
NSW Health confirmed that after Dr Ng was suspended, he retired and permanently closed the Haberfield clinic.
A hotline has been established to answer patients questions, the number is 1800 610 344.
