60 of Disgraced Dentist's Patients Have Hepatitis

Just 3,122 of 7K patients tested so far
By Mark Russell,  Newser Staff
Posted Apr 19, 2013 7:30 AM CDT
60 of Disgraced Dentist's Patients Have Hepatitis
This 1977 license picture provided by the Oklahoma Board of Dentistry shows Tulsa oral surgeon Dr. Scott Harrington.   (AP Photo/Oklahoma Board of Dentistry, File)

An investigation into an Oklahoma dentist accused of major health violations at his clinic for years has turned up at least 60 patients with hepatitis, reports ABC News. More than 7,000 former patients of Dr. W. Scott Harrington were sent warning letters in March that Harrington had regularly re-used needles over the years, and were urged to get tested. Some 3,122 have been tested so far, turning up 57 cases of hepatitis C, three of hepatitis B, and one of HIV.

Next: Investigators will interview those who tested positive to determine whether Harrington's poor sterilization practices were the source of their infection. ABC notes other egregious practices revealed in the surprise March 18 inspection of his offices: old needles, rusty dental tools, and the use of bleach on patient wounds. Harrington has given up his dentistry license. (More W. Scott Harrington stories.)

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