Department of Health

Warning on unregistered dental procedures

22/06/15
Published by Department of Health & Human Services

The Department of Health & Human Services has issued an urgent warning on the dangers of treatment by unregistered individuals following raids by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) on three further ‘dental premises’ in Melbourne’s northern suburbs.

Following seizure of equipment earlier this month from a house in Rocklands Rise, Meadow Heights, AHPRA has raided further premises in Yaralla Court, Meadow Heights, Bicentennial Crescent, Meadow Heights and Preston Avenue, Roxburgh Park where there is evidence dental procedures may have been provided.

Victoria’s Acting Chief Health Officer, Dr Finn Romanes, said he was concerned that further patients have been put at risk of contracting a blood-borne virus as a result of poor infection control practices.

“While the risk of the transmission of any infection is probably low, we urge any patients who attended any of these premises to call the Department for information and advice.”

“It is important that anyone who received treatment from any unregistered individual has their teeth examined by a registered dentist so that any oral health issues can be identified,” he said.

Eighty-five people contacted a DHHS Services hotline following a public appeal on June 10, after AHPRA laid charges against a man who had allegedly been providing dental treatment without being registered.

Anyone who believes they or a family member or friend may have been a patient of an unregistered individual is asked to call the Department on 1800 356 061 to receive advice from trained health staff. This is a free call number and interpreter services will also be available.

The Department will also provide information to callers about arranging dental assessments to determine whether any further professional dental attention is required.

All information provided to the Department will be kept confidential.

“Given the information now coming to light, we would also urge anyone who has received treatment from any person they suspect may not be registered, in any area of Melbourne or around the State, to contact either AHPRA or the Department.”

Reviewed 22 June 2015

Health.vic

Contact details

Bram Alexander Department of Health Media Unit

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