Thousands Urged To Get Tested After Strathfield Dentist Triggers Health Alert

Thousands of Sydney residents are being advised to undergo precautionary blood tests after a Strathfield dentist failed basic infection‑control standards, prompting a major public health alert. 

William Kwok Hung Tam, a former dentist who used to operate at Suite B on Albert Road, has potentially exposed thousands of patients’ health to numerous blood-borne viruses such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. 

The alarm was raised when a patient filed a health complaint, triggering a formal investigation on the 24 April. During the formal inspection, the Dental Council of NSW found inadequate sterilisation and evident poor hygiene practices at the clinic. This has raised serious concerns about contaminated instruments that may have been used on patients throughout the years the clinic was operating.

“The poor infection control practices at Dr Tam’s practice means all former patients may be at low risk of a blood-borne virus infection, which can have serious and long-lasting health impacts,” Acting Director of Sydney Local Health District, Dr Zeina Najja told media.

NSW Health officials have also stated that the overall risk of contracting a blood-borne virus is low.  “I would like to stress that the risk to patients is low and this is a precautionary measure,” says Dr Najja. 

However, the clinic’s Sydney location and the sheer number of patients treated over the years mean the potential exposure is extensive enough to warrant a public health alert about the issue. 

Authorities have also said they’re unable to identify or contact many of the potentially affected patients as a result of the clinic’s poor and incomplete records, once again emphasising the need for the public health alert.

Symptoms may take decades to arise

While effective treatments do exist for all three viruses of concern, health authorities have stressed the importance of early detection. Although a positive test does not necessarily mean the infection came from the clinic itself, it’s essential to rule out any link and ensure that treatment is accessed promptly.

“People with HIV, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C may not have any symptoms for decades, so people at risk of these infections must be tested, so that they can access treatment as appropriate,” Dr Najja explained. “There are effective treatments available for all three conditions.”

This isn’t the first time NSW has issued a public health alert in relation to Sydney. Last October, a similar incident occurred when a sole dental practitioner based in Mortdale was found to have breached infection‑control standards, once again prompting a public health warning. 

The repeated breaches have raised questions about the effectiveness of the dental industry regulation and remain a pressing issue for Sydney.