Here we go again —

SYDNEY:  TWELVE dentists in four Sydney practices are under investigation for hygiene breaches which have potentially exposed 12,000 people to blood-borne infection.

NSW Health says instruments in the practices “were not cleaned, sterilised or stored” in accordance with guidelines set by the Dental Board of Australia.

It’s recommending patients who have had an invasive procedure at the practices in the past 10 years be tested for HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C, although it’s stressed the risk is low.

The affected practices are Dr Samson Sing CHAN of The Gentle Dentist clinics in Campsie and central Sydney, and Dr Robert STARKENBURG’s practices at Bondi Junction and Surry Hills.

Anyone who’s had “any procedure” at Dr Starkenburg’s practices – which have been closed – should be tested, NSW Health says.

The Dental Council of NSW says in a statement that it’s suspended the registration of Dr Samson Sing Chan, and four other dentists at his practices, with a further six dentists having conditions imposed on their registration.

Dr Starkenburg was suspended from practice last December, the council says.

The 12 dentists have been referred to the NSW Health Care Complaints Commission.

MEAG COMMENT:  Who is policing our medical professionals?  For self-regulation is still not working.