Australia: Patients of retired dentist asked to test for bloodborne virus

Health authorities in New South Wales have issued an urgent advisory urging thousands of former patients of a retired Sydney dentist to undergo testing for bloodborne viruses. The warning follows the discovery of significant failures in infection control at a dental practice located in Strathfield, in Sydney’s inner west.

On May 13, 2026, NSW Health announced that patients who visited the clinic of Dr. William Tam may have been exposed to hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. While officials stated that the overall risk to most patients is low, they emphasized that testing is a necessary precautionary measure due to the nature of the identified deficiencies.

Infection Control Failures and Audit Findings

The public health alert stems from an audit conducted on April 24, 2026, after a complaint was lodged. The audit, performed by the Dental Council of NSW, identified critical shortcomings in how the clinic managed hygiene and sterilization. Dr. Zeina Najjar, a staff specialist of public health with the Sydney Local Health District, stated that the inspection revealed deficiencies in the cleaning practices and the sterilization of equipment.

These lapses in protocol created a potential pathway for the transmission of bloodborne pathogens between patients. Dr. Najjar noted that while the general risk remains low, individuals who underwent more invasive dental procedures may face a higher level of risk.

Dr. Tam, who practiced in Strathfield on Albert Road for 25 years, is now retired and has been deregistered as a dentist. Reports indicate that he retired approximately two weeks after the April 24 audit took place.

Challenges in Patient Notification

One of the primary complications in managing this public health risk is the inability of authorities to directly notify every affected individual. NSW Health believes that Dr. Tam treated thousands of patients over his two-and-a-half-decade career, but the clinic’s administrative records were found to be insufficient.

Dr. Najjar described the record keeping as substandard and incomplete, which has prevented health officials from establishing a comprehensive contact list. The Sydney Local Health District is relying on public warnings to ensure that former patients are aware of the need for screening.

Medical Significance of Bloodborne Virus Screening

The urgency of the testing advisory is linked to the asymptomatic nature of HIV and viral hepatitis. Many individuals infected with these viruses do not experience noticeable symptoms for years or even decades, during which time the infections can cause progressive internal damage.

The poor infection control practices at Dr Tam’s practice means all former patients may be at low risk of a blood borne virus infection, which can have serious and long-lasting health impacts. People with HIV, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C may not have any symptoms for decades, so it is important that people at risk of these infections are tested, so that they can access treatment as appropriate.

Dr. Leena Gupta, public health clinical director of the Sydney Local Health District

Early detection is critical because modern medical interventions can effectively manage these conditions, preventing severe outcomes such as liver failure or advanced immunodeficiency. Health officials are urging any person who received treatment at Dr. Tam’s Strathfield clinic to visit a healthcare provider for blood tests.

The Sydney Local Health District has maintained that they acted as soon as they became aware of the practices at the clinic. They continue to encourage all former patients to prioritize testing to ensure their long-term health and to access any necessary treatment options.