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Dentist Clinic Patients Urged to Get Tested
13 Jul
Summary
- 884 patients of Dr. George Chan Dentistry asked to get tested.
- Equipment sterilization lapses led to health unit's reminder.
- About half of patients have completed the recommended testing.
Grand Erie Public Health (GEPH) has issued a renewed call for former patients of Dr. George Chan Dentistry to undergo testing for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. The reminder, sent on July 7, 2026, targets 884 individuals who visited the Brantford clinic. The urgency stems from identified lapses in the disinfection and sterilization of reusable instruments.
The clinic, located at 353 St. Paul Ave, ceased operations on November 3, 2025. Following a complaint filed in October 2025, GEPH's investigation uncovered 15 instances of improper sterilization practices. Patients began receiving notification letters in March 2026, advising them to seek testing due to potential exposure.
While GEPH states that no blood-borne infections have been confirmed in relation to the clinic, they emphasize the importance of testing for individual health awareness and to gather data for public health guidance. The risk of infection is considered low, but screening is a precautionary measure.
Former patients are encouraged to consult their primary care providers or visit a walk-in clinic with a GEPH requisition form for testing. Alternative options include contacting the Primary Care Access Clinic or the Virtual Urgent Care Clinic for assistance.
