Patients sue Tennessee dentist accused of improperly sterilizing tools

Three patients filed a lawsuit Dec. 19 against Knoxville, Tenn.-based Clarence "Buzz" Nabers, DDS, after he potentially exposed them to infectious diseases, Knox News reports.

The lawsuit is seeking class-action status and would include about 8,000 patients treated by Dr. Nabers from Sept. 15, 2016 to Sept. 15, 2019.

"The members of the proposed class each suffered extreme and serious emotional distress and trauma, and will incur medical testing and other expenses as the result of the negligent conduct of Buzz Nabers Dental Studio," the complaint said.

The Tennessee Department of Health ordered Dr. Nabers Sept. 17 to mail letters recommending patients be tested for HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C due to improper sterilization techniques in 2018 that led to possible cross contamination. Patients began receiving letters 85 days later on Dec. 11.

A state investigation this summer found Dr. Nabers improperly sterilized dental equipment, forged certification documents and had unqualified employees perform dental work. The state fined him $11,000 and placed his license on probation for two years.

The proposed class-action lawsuit seeks $50 million from Dr. Naber and his estate.

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