Health alerts issued urging thousands of patients of retired Sydney dentist Dr William Tam to test for blood-borne viruses, including HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C, due to concerns about infection control practices at his clinic. While the risk is low, recent audits revealed poor infection prevention protocols and inadequate patient record-keeping. Tam, who practiced for over 25 years, is no longer registered as a dentist, and his former patients may still be at risk. Public health director Dr Leena Gupta emphasized that widespread testing is crucial to prevent transmission, especially for those already at risk. People with these conditions often lack symptoms for decades, highlighting the importance of early detection. For further questions, individuals can contact their GP or use Healthdirect at 1800 022 222.
