Dead rodents, insects found near dental equipment in Pennsylvania office

A state investigation found dead mice and insects near the sterilization unit at the Center for Family and Specialty Dentistry in Reading, Pa., according to an NBC10 report.

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State health officials are urging patients who visited the clinic between Dec. 19, 2015, and Oct. 19, 2016, to get tested for HIV and hepatitis B and C.

“Infection control procedures at this practice were inadequate and created the potential for harm, so we’re recommending patients get tested,” Karen Murphy, PhD, RN, the state secretary of health, said in a statement. No infections were known as of Dec. 19.

According to NBC10, in addition to mice and insects near dental instruments, investigators found expired medications at the office.

The Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry temporarily suspended the licenses of three dentists who practiced at the Center for Family and Specialty Dentistry, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

The office is currently closed.

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