260 PeaceHealth patients fitted for dental appliances face possible HIV, hepatitis exposure — 4 takeaways

Longview, Wash.-based PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center is notifying 260 patients who underwent fittings for dental implants as they may have been exposed to HIV and hepatitis B and C, according to tdn.com.

Advertisement

Here are four takeaways:

1. The hospital is notifying patients who were fitted for dental appliances for sleep apnea between Nov. 18, 2013 and Feb. 26, 2016.

2. The possible exposure is due to staff possibly skipping some steps in the sterilization process when cleaning instruments for the procedures.

3. Although staff soaked the equipment in an antimicrobial solution, they may have not mechanically scrubbed the equipment.

4. Chief Administrative Officer Kirk Raboin said the risk of infection is “extremely low,” and no patients have tested positive.

More dental news:
Drs. John Hamilton, Nicole Giddings & more — 5 dentists in the news
4 insights on the global dental diagnostic, surgical equipment market
Dr. Bryce Gates teaches 3rd graders good oral hygiene practices: 4 things to know

Advertisement

Next Up in Uncategorized

  • Texas, Florida and Connecticut have seen the most DSO activity during the fourth quarter of 2025. Becker’s compiled a list…

  • Here are 11 key DSO updates from December: 1. Southlake, Texas-based Allied OMS added its first New Jersey practice. 2.…

  • Here are four recent updates on dental company CFOs: 1. Matthew Garth stepped down from his role as executive vice…

Advertisement

Comments are closed.