Hamilton public health warns patients of possible exposure to unsterilized instruments at dental office

Patients of a Hamilton dental clinic may have been exposed to improperly sterilized instruments, according to an advisory from Hamilton Public Health Services (HPHS).

Public health said in a nes release Wednesday that anyone who received treatment at Dentistry at Fennell & Ottawa, located at 1134-A Fennell Ave. E., between July 25, 2019 and Feb. 20, 2025, should consult their primary care provider, or visit a walk-in clinic to discuss testing for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV. 

"While the risk of infection is considered low, the use of improperly sterilized instruments can potentially transmit infectious diseases," the release reads.

A City of Hamilton spokesperson told CBC News that a HPHS team initiated an investigation at the clinic "after receiving a complaint – which is our standard process."

No cases of blood-borne infections linked to dental office: HPHS

"The investigation by Public Health Services determined that there was insufficient evidence that instruments were properly sterilized due to inadequate reprocessing practices and records," according to the release.

It says the investigation into this infection prevention and control lapse concludes that the risk of infectious disease transmission remains low at this time, adding that corrective action has been taken, and as of Feb. 24, the dental clinic now meets the required infection prevention and control standards.

Currently, no cases of blood-borne infections have been linked to the dental office, the release states.

CBC News contacted Dentistry at Fennell & Ottawa but was told no one is available to comment.