In Oklahoma, numerous patients have tested positive for
hepatitis C after visiting an oral surgeon’s office in Tulsa. According to Oklahoma
State Department of Health and the Tulsa Health Department, 57 patients tested
positive for hepatitis C, three patients tested positive for hepatitis B and
one person tested positive for HIV. Many of these patients came in to have a
wisdom tooth removed or have their jaw realigned.
None of them would have expected to contract a dangerous
virus. The investigation is extremely complex as officials are not completely
sure if the virus was contracted at the dentist’s office or elsewhere. Health
investigators screened more than 3,200 patients who visited the dental office
after finding sterilization violations there.
After one patient came down with hepatitis C the dentistry
board launched an investigation of the oral surgeon’s dentistry. The board
found that unlicensed employees were improperly handling needles and IVs on
patients. In addition, the board found that expired drugs were being used and
basic precautions regarding blood-borne pathogens were not followed.
Another round of testing for previous patients will take
place. The dentist voluntarily surrendered his dental license, but will appear
at a revocation hearing.
Medical and Dental
Accidents
Unfortunately, dental malpractice accidents occur commonly
and can have permanently disabling effects. Unfortunately, the patients
described above will always carry hepatitis and HIV after being exposed. In
certain cases, dental malpractice can have painful results and affect a person’s
appearance.
If you’ve been severely injured after dental malpractice,
you should seek legal advice and protect your rights. A doctor should be
careful and precise in his or her care for patients. If you suffered due to the
negligence of a doctor, you should seek compensation for damages and injuries
Personal Injury
Attorney
If you were recently injured by the hands of dentist, contact
a personal injury attorney immediately. With legal assistance, you may be able
to earn monetary compensation for your pain and injuries. Do not be taken
advantage of. If your injuries caused much pain or financial suffering you
should consider filing a personal injury claim today.