After “shortcomings” observed during an inspection, a dental practice in Seine-Maritime must recall its patients because of “infectious risks”.
- During an inspection targeting a dental practice located in Veules-les-Roses (Seine-Maritime), the Normandy Regional Health Agency (ARS) noted various breaches of regulations “likely to call into question quality and safety of care”, particularly on hygiene rules.
- After analyzing the infectious risks, the ARS asked the dental practice to recall its 2,700 patients “who were invited by mail to go to their attending physician for serological screening”, due to a low risk of transmission of HIV and hepatitis B and C viruses.
- The authorities also asked the dental practice to put in place “corrective measures to remedy the dysfunctions observed”, measures which were duly verified during a second inspection visit carried out at the end of January.
“Several breaches of regulations were noted, particularly relating to hygiene rules.” During an inspection targeting a dental practice located in Veules-les-Roses (Seine-Maritime), the Normandy Regional Health Agency (ARS) noted various breaches of the regulations “of a nature to call into question the quality and safety of care”.
“Failure”: 2,700 patients at a dental practice invited to be screened
After analyzing the infectious risks, the ARS asked the dental practice to recall patients “who were invited by mail to go to their GP for serological screening”, she wrote in a communicated. In question, a “low risk of transmission for the hepatitis B virus and very low for the hepatitis C virus and HIV”. No fewer than 2,700 patients are affected, according to information from France 3. Each of them will be informed by letter to their home from the office, and will have to consult their attending physician who will prescribe the screening tests. Free, these consist of a blood test and can be carried out by an analysis laboratory.
The authorities also asked the dental practice to put in place, following the formal notice, “corrective measures to remedy the dysfunctions observed”measures which were duly verified during a second inspection visit carried out at the end of January.
Controls to guarantee public health and safety
As a reminder, the ARS carries out these control and inspection missions to healthcare structures throughout the year, in order to ensure “compliance with regulations guaranteeing public health and health safety, as well as the quality of the care provided”.
Last December, ARS Normandy had already singled out a dentist based in the Channel after observing “numerous serious breaches jeopardizing the safety of staff and the quality and safety of care”, in particular a lack of sterilization of the equipment used during care. The approximately 1,000 patients were called back by the office and invited to be tested for HIV and hepatitis B and C.
