MEDIA RELEASE
September 16, 2019
AHS notifies public of improper dental sterilization practices at two Calgary businesses
CALGARY – Alberta Health Services (AHS) has confirmed a Calgary-based independent dental hygiene practice and a dental office had sterilization practices that did not meet provincial standards.
Although the risk of transmission of infection is considered very low, AHS encourages anyone who received dental services at the locations listed below, and during the specified time periods, to visit their family physician for testing for hepatitis B and C. Individuals may also call Health Link at 811 for more information.
“To prevent the spread of infection from one person to another, equipment used in dental procedures must be cleaned, disinfected and sterilized according to health standards,” says
Dr. Jia Hu, Medical Officer of Health, AHS Calgary Zone. “Although these businesses had sterilization and sanitation processes in place, they did not fully meet the provincial standards, meaning individuals who received dental services through these operations may have been exposed to hepatitis B and C.”
Canavina Dental Hygiene Clinic:
311 Taravista St. N.E. from Aug. 1, 2009, to April 30, 2018
7196 California Blvd N.E. from May 1, 2018, to Feb. 15, 2019
*Note this home-based practice is no longer in operation
Radisson Dental Centre:
107 – 575 28 St. S.E. from April 28, 2012 to May 13, 2019
*Note this practice has corrected its sterilization procedures and there is no longer any increased risk
AHS has not confirmed any cases of illness associated with inadequate sterilization processes at these practices at this time. AHS has issued this Health Advisory out of an abundance of caution.
“The Alberta Dental Association and College (ADA&C) has very robust standards of practice regarding Infection, Prevention and Control,” says Dr. Randall Croutze, CEO, Alberta Dental Association and College. “Although the risk of infection is very low, the ADA&C supports AHS’ recommendation for testing as a precaution.”
“Our College and our registrants are committed to the highest standards of infection prevention and control,” says Dale Cooney, Acting Registrar of the College of Registered Dental Hygienists of Alberta (CRDHA). “In relation to this matter, an investigation is ongoing and based on our inspections of independent dental hygiene practices across the province, we believe this to be an isolated incident.”
Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.
For media inquiries, contact:
Bruce Conway
AHS Communications
403-815-3754
Sarah Van Tassel
Communications, ADA&C
780-432-1012
Judy Clarke
Deputy Registrar
CRDHA
780-465-1756
1-877-465-1756