A Guelph dental clinic that was shut down over concerns about possible hepatitis and HIV infections has reopened for business.
Guelph Dental Associates, located in the Bullfrog Mall at 380 Eramosa Rd., has been given the all clear to reopen by Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health.
“A final inspection was done by WDG Public Health on August 25 and the dental clinic met all the requirements set out in the closure order. They received an all clear to open when they are ready to do so,” said WDGPH spokesperson Chuck Ferguson.
Following an inspection in June resulting from a complaint from the public, public health had concerns about sterilization of dental equipment at the practice and the practice was temporarily closed.
Letters were sent out to patients advising anyone who had a procedure there between Jan 21, 2015 and June 21, 2017, advising them to see a doctor about getting tested for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV.
The risk of infection has been categorized as “low” by infectious disease experts, but patients are nevertheless encouraged to be tested.
The business says on its web site that it has instituted new training, policies and procedures and has replaced everything from sterilization equipment to carpets and chairs.
A request for comment from Guelph Dental Associates was replied to in the form of an email from practice leader Liz Petrides.
It read:
“Thank you for reaching out. Guelph Dental Associates is pleased to announce the reopening of its clinic.
Our top concern is our patients’ health. We are committed to ensuring their dental care appointment is a safe and pleasant experience.
Over the summer, we have worked diligently to enhance the training of our team in relation to environmental cleaning, disinfection and infection control. We have also partnered with independent consultants to complete a full practice review, and have implemented new policies and procedures as well as a new auditing process to ensure best practices are always maintained.
In addition, we have made significant upgrades to our facility, including building a brand new sterilization area equipped with industry-leading sterilization equipment, replacing all flooring and removing carpet, repainting the entire office, repairing or replacing all dental chairs and the purchase of new equipment.
Throughout this process, we worked closely with the Public Health Unit, which has subsequently inspected the clinic and is satisfied that we have implemented their recommendations and approved the clinic re-opening.
Guelph Dental Associates is committed to providing a safe and pleasant dental care experience for all its patients.
We welcome all patients, new and old, to come and see the new Guelph Dental Associates clinic. We look forward to continuing to serve our community.”
