Australian health authorities have urged former patients of a retired Sydney dentist to undergo testing for HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.

The alert follows an audit that revealed inadequate infection-control and sterilization practices at a clinic in Strathfield, a suburb of Sydney in New South Wales [1, 2]. Because these blood-borne viruses can remain undetected for years, the warning is critical for identifying potential infections that may have occurred during dental procedures.

Dr. William Tam, the retired dentist, operated his practice for more than 25 years [2]. Authorities estimate that up to 5,000 patients may have been potentially exposed to these viruses during that timeframe [1]. The risk stems from cleaning standards that failed to meet required safety protocols, which could have allowed contaminated instruments to be reused between patients [1, 3].

Health officials said the audit found the clinic's sterilization processes were insufficient to prevent the transmission of blood-borne pathogens. Patients who visited the clinic during the period of the dentist's career are being encouraged to seek medical advice and blood screenings [2, 3].

Blood-borne viruses like hepatitis B and C can cause long-term liver damage if left untreated, while HIV attacks the immune system. Modern medical treatments can manage these conditions effectively, but early detection is essential for patient health and for preventing further transmission to others [1, 3].

“Up to 5,000 patients may have been potentially exposed”

This incident highlights the critical nature of stringent sterilization audits in healthcare. The scale of the warning—spanning over two decades and thousands of patients—underscores how systemic failures in infection control can create long-term public health risks that persist long after a practitioner has retired.