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The local health unit has warned patients of a former Brantford dentist to get blood-tested for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV after an investigation found the office wasn’t properly sterilizing equipment.
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Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Jason Malenfant, sent letters to an unknown number of patients of long-time dentist Dr. George Chan, whose office was on St. Paul Avenue, advising them to arrange the blood tests through their own healthcare providers or a walk-in clinic.
The health unit provided pre-filled requisition forms for the testing of the three viruses.
“GEPH investigates complaint-based concerns related to infection prevention and control,” said health unit spokesperson Shawn Falcao.
“When an IPAC lapse is confirmed, GEPH ensures that appropriate corrective actions are implemented.”
According to an inspection report posted on the health unit website under Infection Prevention and Control Lapses, the health unit was notified of a complaint regarding infection control practises at the office on Oct. 29, 2025.
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An extensive investigation was done on Nov. 3 and the office has been permanently closed since.
Chan, who has been a dentist since 1986, could not be reached for comment and the phone number for his former office is no longer in service.
One patient contacted, who asked to remain anonymous, said they had switched clinics after being a Chan patient for years because his clinic seemed outdated.
“I was concerned his technology wasn’t up to standard. I also didn’t feel as though his examinations were thorough enough.”
The former patient said, even after being told the risk of Hepatitis B or C, or HIV is very low, it’s still upsetting.
“I’m disturbed to know that a trusted medical professional wasn’t meeting basic cleaning practices.”
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The letters sent to Chan’s patients include all those who received dental work there over the last four years.
The health unit is recommending that each previous patient of the clinic get at least one blood test for the three blood-borne illnesses and, anyone who had dental work since August 26, 2025 should get tested again after a specific six-month period.
Meanwhile, while the patients await their final test results, the health unit recommends they follow strict safety procedures: no tattoos or any piercings, use condoms during sex, don’t share personal items like razors, nail clippers, toothbrushes, needles or glucose monitoring devices, and clean up visible blood from wounds or spills.
The GEPH report indicates a raft of issues that were noted during the Nov. 3 inspection, including improper use of protective gloves, storage of sterilized items, items not disinfected, documentation, and ultrasonic efficacy testing.
“Clean and sterile instruments were observed to be stored loose and unpackaged in operatory rooms,” said the report.
“Sterilized packages were observed to be stored tightly together with punctures.”
In all, about 15 infractions were noted.
The report recommended all staff members responsible to take an educational course online.
Patients not reached by letter, or those with questions can contact GEPH at 519-753-4937, ext. 440.
@EXPSGamble
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