A dentist at Dr. Richard Byrd and Associates in Richmond, Va., is alleging the pediatric dental office did not properly sterilize equipment and water lines, according to CBS 6.
Here are seven things to know:
1. After a new pediatric patient joined the office, the whistleblower confined in the patient’s parents the practice was not properly cleaning hand pieces used to remove cavities and polish filings.
2. The dentist making the allegations first became aware of the sterilization errors in August 2017, after a staff member told her the practice had one working high speed hand pieces was being cleaned with an intermediate-level disinfectant between patients.
3. Waterlines at Dr. Richard Byrd and Associates used to clean patient’s teeth are allegedly not treated in line with CDC guidelines. One dentist at the office collected samples of the water. Results indicated a heterotrophic bacteria count 13 times greater than standard drinking water.
4. Text messages between the dentists allegedly indicate the practice’s OSHA officer was never properly trained.
5. Richard Byrd, DDS, has since claimed to order new hand pieces and is reevaluating the practice’s infection control sterilization systems. He also said the practice scheduled the installation of an in-line infiltration system.
6. With concerns, the whistleblower filed a complaint with the Virginia Department of Health Professions. The department could not confirm if they are investigating the allegations.
7. Dr. Byrd sent out a letter to patients stating his office is providing all necessary information to the Virginia Occupational Safety and Health Office along with the Virginia Department of Health Professionals.
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Here are seven things to know:
1. After a new pediatric patient joined the office, the whistleblower confined in the patient’s parents the practice was not properly cleaning hand pieces used to remove cavities and polish filings.
2. The dentist making the allegations first became aware of the sterilization errors in August 2017, after a staff member told her the practice had one working high speed hand pieces was being cleaned with an intermediate-level disinfectant between patients.
3. Waterlines at Dr. Richard Byrd and Associates used to clean patient’s teeth are allegedly not treated in line with CDC guidelines. One dentist at the office collected samples of the water. Results indicated a heterotrophic bacteria count 13 times greater than standard drinking water.
4. Text messages between the dentists allegedly indicate the practice’s OSHA officer was never properly trained.
5. Richard Byrd, DDS, has since claimed to order new hand pieces and is reevaluating the practice’s infection control sterilization systems. He also said the practice scheduled the installation of an in-line infiltration system.
6. With concerns, the whistleblower filed a complaint with the Virginia Department of Health Professions. The department could not confirm if they are investigating the allegations.
7. Dr. Byrd sent out a letter to patients stating his office is providing all necessary information to the Virginia Occupational Safety and Health Office along with the Virginia Department of Health Professionals.
More articles on dentists:
Drs. Claire VanLandingham, Jason Goodchild & more: 5 dentists making headlines
Dentsply Sirona taps Donald Casey Jr. as permanent CEO: 5 things to know
Virginia dentist sentenced to 5 years in prison for healthcare fraud: 4 notes