Burlington dental services clinic closed by Regional Health inspectors - allowed to re-open when required infection prevention and control standards were put in place.

element_healthservicesBy Staff

June 20, 2017

BURLINGTON, ON

 

An infection prevention and control inspection conducted by the Halton Region Health Department on June 9, 2017, identified that clients who have received dental services at Upper Middle Dental operated by Dr. Vick Handa, located at 1900 Walkers Line in Burlington, Unit 4, may have been exposed to improperly cleaned instruments used for procedures.

element_healthservices“Improperly cleaned dental instruments carry a low risk of transmitting infectious diseases, such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) to clients,” said Dr. Daniela Kempkens, Acting Medical Officer of Health for Halton Region. “As a precaution, the Halton Region Health Department recommends that all clients who have ever received dental services at Upper Middle Dental contact their physician (or go to a walk-in clinic if they do not have a physician) to discuss testing for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).”

The Halton Region Health Department closed Upper Middle Dental. In addition, the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO) suspended Dr. Handa’s license to practice on June 12. A re-inspection by Health Department staff on June 14 confirmed that the dental office now meets the required infection prevention and control standards.

On June 16, the suspension was lifted by the RCDSO. The Halton Region Health Department has sent letters to past and current clients of the dental office to notify them and recommend they contact their physician.
“Infection prevention and control in dentistry is a critical issue for safe patient care,” said a spokesperson for the

RCDSO. “As a result, cases like this are extremely rare. Dentists are extensively trained on infection prevention and our mandatory continuous education program makes the subject a priority. The RCDSO is currently reviewing its Guidelines on Infection Prevention and Control in the Dental Office.”

For more information about hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV, the inspection or investigation, please visit halton.ca or call the Halton Region Health Department at 311, 905-825-6000 or toll free 1-866-442-5866. For inquiries related specifically to Upper Middle Dental, please contact the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario by visiting rcdso.org.

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16 comments to Burlington dental services clinic closed by Regional Health inspectors – allowed to re-open when required infection prevention and control standards were put in place.

  • Christine

    I am disgusted. My father was a dentist and they know when they are putting patients at risk. I would welcome a class action suit. My son and I are both at risk here. Please let me know how to get involved.

  • Cindy

    Let me know how many people are interested because this is not right he should no longer be practicing…he needs to be accountible fir his total disregard in the safety of his clients and there familys….so very angry

  • Ljubinka Babic

    Yes, I am interested in taking a legal action…..this is so scary..my whole family went there for years…

  • Cindy

    I do believe that we all need to get a lawyer and file a class action suit…especially if they knew that they weren’t doing they proper procedure

  • Izolda

    You go to the dentist trusting them to adhere to the required standards. Now i had to go get tested today!!!! Thanks alot not only do you put my life at risk but i am breastfeeding…i am furious

  • Sarah

    My husband is a patient with dr.handa! So upset we have to go for testing now!

  • TC

    Class action lawsuit…

  • Michelle Mehl

    I have not received any notification from the Health Department and my whole family of 6 are patients of Dr. Handa. My husband got a reminder call for his appointment for tomorrow (Thursday) and I actually got a call this morning reminding me of my dental appointment on Saturday! If not for CHCH news on June 21. 2017 I would not have been any the wiser and would have gone for my cleaning. I am absolutely horrified that my 4 children, my husband and I now had to go for blood tests.

  • Kimberly Anne Markovic Kucybala

    Oh my goodness…this is terrible….the article says if you have ever been there!

    • Cindy

      Im so bothered by this that I’m sick to my stomach….I really believe that we all need to get together and file a class action lawsuit

  • Disgruntle Former Patient

    This is absolutely awful. So glad I only went to this dentist for a short period of time. Always felt that things were extremely rushed at this practice and wondered if they had enough time to tend to everything. Guess not, from this report. Totally peeved that my daughter and I are going to have to go to family MD for blood work.