In a word: WTH ?!? An oral surgeon named Dr. Wayne Harrington may have given thousands of patients HIV and/or a type of Hepatitis, the Tulsa Health Department reports, after a raid of his office uncovered atrocious sterilization practices. The state dental board is looking into this disturbing case and the federal Drug Enforcement Agency is even getting involved because a patient who tested positive for Hepatitis C and HIV claimed her only recent risk factor was a dental appointment. Upon an examination of Harrington’s office, authorities found rusty instruments and other clear violations that Susan Rogers – executive director of Oklahoma’s Board of Dentistry – referred to as “perfect storm” for disease spreading. Harrington and his staff told investigators that the surgeon treated a “high population of known infectious disease carrier patients,” based on a complaint filed by the Oklahoma Board of Dentistry. He reportedly permitted unlicensed dental assistance to give medication, while drug cabinets were simply left unlocked and unsupervised. Over 7,000 patients were exposed to Harrington’s methods and The Tulsa Health Department says these individuals will receive letters by mail notifying them of the risk and steps to obtain free testing.
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Rogue Dentist HIV Scare Causes Panic in Tulsa
