A wave of fear and uncertainty has gripped a local family as they prepare for critical blood tests. Andrew Dukeshire described a feeling of being “mad, sad and scared” knowing his wife and two children face the possibility of exposure to serious viruses.
The source of their distress? A Brantford dentist, Dr. George Chan, whose practice abruptly closed last November. A subsequent health inspection revealed alarming lapses in infection control, raising the specter of potential transmission of hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV.
For the Dukeshire family, Dr. Chan represented decades of trusted care. Pam Dukeshire had been a patient since 1986, noting his practice felt “old school.” The sudden retirement announcement in January offered no explanation for the closure, leaving them unaware of the underlying concerns.
The local health unit discovered fifteen deficiencies in Dr. Chan’s infection prevention protocols. Crucially, dental tools used on multiple patients weren’t being adequately sterilized, stored, or properly identified – a breach that could have devastating consequences.
Adding to the family’s frustration, notification of the potential risk arrived weeks after the health unit’s initial investigation. Former patients were advised to seek testing through their own doctors or walk-in clinics, a demand that will undoubtedly strain an already overburdened healthcare system.
The health unit is urging those affected to take immediate precautions: avoiding tattoos and piercings, practicing safe sex, and refraining from sharing personal items like razors and toothbrushes. These measures underscore the gravity of the situation and the potential for transmission.
While Dr. Chan remains listed in good standing with the Royal College of Dental Surgeons, the regulatory body is now reviewing the health unit’s findings. Investigations can proceed even after a dentist is no longer practicing, but results are not made public until a decision is reached.
Andrew Dukeshire emphasized the importance of getting tested, even for those who may feel a low risk. “This is serious,” he stated. “Go get tested. It’s a slim chance but the last thing you want to do is hurt someone else.”
This case echoes a similar incident in Burlington, where over 1,000 patients were alerted to potential exposure due to contaminated needles. One individual has already filed a lawsuit after testing positive for hepatitis C, alleging infection from an unsterilized injection.
The Dukeshire family’s experience serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability patients place in their healthcare providers. It highlights the critical importance of rigorous infection control practices and transparent communication when those practices are compromised.
Former patients of Dr. Chan with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact the health unit for further information and guidance.
