Pennsylvania dentist refutes health department order to close practice: 5 takeaways

In August, the Pennsylvania Department of Health found sterilization problems at a Mouth Bethel Township, Pa., dental office and ordered Palmer Cotturo, DDS, to close its doors.

Now, Dr. Cotturo is refuting the health department, claiming he never put his patients at risk, according to Lehigh Valley Live.

Here are five takeaways:

1. In a surprise visit, the health department became concerned over the practice's cleanliness, reporting Dr. Cotturo failed to label syringes and dispose of used needles.

2. The inspection occurred when Dr. Cotturo was not seeing patients. In a letter to Lehigh Valley Live, Dr. Cotturo wrote he would have properly cleaned his patient care area before patient arrivals.

3. Throughout his 50 years of practicing, Dr. Cotturo said he has never injected a patient with the wrong medication.

4. Dr. Cotturo admitted some syringes had missing labels, but called the health department "extremely aggressive," according to the report.

5. The health department's investigation into Dr. Cotturo remains open since the cease-and-desist letter was issued Aug. 23.

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