Australia: Patients of retired dentist asked to test for bloodborne virus
Authorities urged patients to get tested due to "poor infection control practices" at the Australian clinic.
www.bbc.comHere are the latest widely reported updates about Dr William Tam of Strathfield:
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NSW Health issued an urgent public health alert on May 12–13, 2026, urging thousands of former patients of Dr William Tam to get tested for blood-borne viruses (HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C) after an April audit found concerns with infection control and patient record-keeping at his Strathfield clinic. The warning stressed that while the overall risk is low, testing is prudent because many records could not be used to contact affected individuals. Source coverage includes The Guardian, ABC News, and 7NEWS, all reporting the public health advisory and the dental council findings.
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The Dental Council of NSW audited Dr Tam’s practice and found deficiencies in sterilisation and cleaning practices, alongside inadequate patient record management. Dr Tam has since retired and is no longer registered as a dentist. NSW Health guidelines urged any former patients to seek testing and consult their GP or Healthdirect for guidance. Multiple outlets reproduce this finding and the public health response.
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Australian outlets including 7NEWS and ABC note that authorities believe thousands of patients could have been seen over more than 25 years, but incomplete records hinder direct contact for notification. The risk is described as low, but early testing supports timely treatment if needed.
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NSW Health also published patient information pages with guidance on testing, risk levels, and next steps, reiterating that testing is advised for anyone who had invasive dental procedures at the Strathfield clinic. The information emphasizes that treatment for the infections exists and encourages speaking with a GP or Healthdirect for arrangements.
Illustration (for context)
- If you’d like, I can assemble a concise, up-to-date summary card with dates, the specific viruses tested for, recommended actions, and contact resources, plus a brief map of where Strathfield is in Sydney for reference.
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