NEWS RELEASE
SIMCOE MUSKOKA DISTRICT HEALTH UNIT
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An infection prevention and control investigation by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) has identified that patients who have received dental services at the dental clinic located at 18 Wyandotte St. in Orillia under the business name of Joe Philip and Associates between Jan. 1, 2012 and Dec. 18, 2017 may have been exposed to improperly cleaned and sterilized instruments.
Following a risk assessment, SMDHU has determined that the risk is very low in this situation. To date, we have received no reports of any patients becoming infected as a result of this situation. However, improper cleaning, disinfection and sterilization of dental instruments can spread infectious diseases such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) to patients.
As a precaution, SMDHU recommends that those who received care at the clinic between Jan. 1, 2012 and Dec. 18, 2017 contact their primary care provider to discuss possible testing for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV, or go to a walk-in or urgent care clinic if they do not have a health-care provider.
The health unit is required by provincial legislation and public health standards to investigate infection prevention and control concerns in a number of settings, and can take a number of measures to rectify deficiencies as necessary.
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.
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