Calling all dental patients in the Kingston, Ontario area

Military to track down Kingston dentist's patients

The Canadian Armed Forces (“CAF”) are identifying dental patients who may have been exposed to serious blood-borne infections at a dentist office in Kingston, Ontario.

The military’s surgeon general issued a statement on February 19:

“We are working with Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox and Addington Public Health on this matter, and we are reviewing our referral records to identify all members who were treated at this clinic between January 2010 and January 2019,” Brig.-Gen. Andrew Downes, surgeon general and commander of Canadian Forces Health Services Group, said in a news release. “Those members will be contacted directly with a recommendation to see their health-care provider.”

 The local health unit asked 2,700 patients who attended a dental clinic operated by Dr. Ken Luco Dentistry Professional Corporation on Highway 15 to visit with their doctor to get tested for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

 On January 16 an inspection revealed improper cleaning and sterilization of dental instruments, according to public health.

 Public Health ordered the dental office to close until changes could be put in place. The clinic has since reopened. 

This general warning should alert patients of all dental and health practices of the potential risks if health professionals do not properly follow sterilization techniques. When in doubt, ask your health professional about sterilization in the clinic.