What's a patient to do, to stay safe?

Patients who received dental services at Joe Philip and Associates between Jan. 1, 2012 and Dec. 18, 2017 ought to be tested for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV...

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit says an investigation found patients may have been exposed to dental instruments that weren’t properly cleaned and sterilized at the Orillia, Ont., clinic

The agency says improper cleaning, disinfection and sterilization of medical and dental instruments can spread infectious diseases such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV to patients.

Dr. Philip stated sterilization procedures at his clinic meet or exceed those required by the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario.

While the risk of infection from this clinic is said to be low, this case raises serious concerns about patient safety and general safety oversight. Why is the public only hearing about these concerns now in June of 2018, six years after potential patient exposure.

Why have we heard nothing from the RCDSO, only the local health unit? 

These cases are rare, and as stated, the risks are low. However, that does not mean the public is not entitled to quick communication from those charged with protecting the public, public health units? RCDSO? Other government agencies or actors? All of the above?