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Oklahoma health officials have warned 7,000 patients their dentist may have exposed them to HIV and hepatitis B and C.

Patients of Dr. W. Scott Harrington’s practice in Tulsa were advised to test themselves at a free clinic set up by the state, health officials said.

Health inspectors found rusty dental instruments and poor hygiene standards at the clinic.

Oklahoma health officials have warned 7,000 patients their dentist may have exposed them to HIV and hepatitis B and C

Oklahoma health officials have warned 7,000 patients their dentist may have exposed them to HIV and hepatitis B and C

Dr. W. Scott Harrington has voluntarily closed the practice, officials said.

“Although we do not know whether you were personally exposed to blood-borne viruses,” the state health department wrote to patients, “there is a possibility that you may have been exposed to infectious material.”

The letters are being sent to patients treated since 2007, but health officials have said they do not know who may have been seen by the dentist before that.

The Tulsa Health Department is setting up a clinic to carry out free blood tests for people who may have been exposed.

Former patient Joyce Baylor, 69, who had a tooth removed by Dr. Scott Harrington about 18 months ago, said the office looked clean.

“I’m sure he’s not suffering financially that he can’t afford instruments,” she told the Associated Press news agency.

The investigation into the dental practice began after a patient tested positive for both hepatitis C and HIV despite having no associated risk factors.

Officials determined the patient had received dental treatment about the time the exposure was believed to have occurred.

The dentist has voluntarily given up his licence, closed his practice and is co-operating with investigators, the Tulsa Health Department said.

Dr. Scott Harrington faces a hearing on April 19 and could have his licence revoked permanently.

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Truvada is the first drug approved by Food and Drug Administration to be used for HIV infection prevention.

Truvada, made by California-based Gilead Sciences, can be used by those at high risk of infection and anyone who may engage in sexual activity with HIV-infected partners, said FDA.

Studies showed the drug reduced the risk of contracting HIV by up to 73%.

Truvada is the first drug approved by FDA to be used for HIV infection prevention

Truvada is the first drug approved by FDA to be used for HIV infection prevention

Some health workers and groups active in the HIV community opposed a green light for the once-daily pill.

There have been concerns the circulation of such a drug could engender a false sense of security. There have also been fears that a drug-resistant strain of HIV could develop.

In a statement, the FDA stressed that the drug should be used as part of a “comprehensive HIV prevention plan”, including condom use and regular HIV testing.

In May, an advisory group of health experts recommended approval for the pill.

Truvada, is already backed by the FDA to be taken with existing anti-retroviral drugs for people who have HIV.

Studies from 2010 showed that Truvada reduced the risk of HIV in healthy gay men – and among HIV-negative heterosexual partners of HIV-positive people – by between 44% and 73%.

 

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