Dental Lawyers Advise Patients To Contact Helpline As Soon As Possible

Specialist dental negligence lawyers have urged patients to contact a helpline over claims a dentist working in Cardiff reused equipment that should have been binned.

Dentist Mark Roberts was dismissed from Splott Road Dental Surgery, where he had worked since 1989, after a whistle-blower claimed he re-used syringe cartridges and root canal surgery files which should have been disposed of after use.

Cardiff and the Vales University Health Board and Public Health Wales have now contacted over 3,000 patients and also set up a special advice line for anyone worried about being infected by the used equipment.

Although the health board have reassured patients that there is a very low risk of transfer of infections like hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV, they will arrange for blood tests for those deemed to be at a higher risk of infection or for peace of mind.

Integrated Dental Holdings (IDH) bought the surgery from Mr Roberts in November 2014 but during the takeover a member of staff raised concerns about the NHS dentist which had not been picked up in previous inspections of the surgery.

The claims were reported to the General Dental Council by IDH in February 2015.

Dr Roberts was suspended and dismissed by IDH who are now working with the health board to investigate the claims. He was also suspended from practising by the GDC while it investigates.

Specialist lawyers in Irwin Mitchell’s Dental Negligence team who have represented previous large group actions in dental negligence cases, including patients infected with the blood borne virus hepatitis C, have urged people to get in touch with authorities as soon as possible to see if they are affected.

If you have suffered as a result of dental negligence, our medical negligence claims team could help you to secure compensation. View our Dental Negligence Claims page for more information.

Expert Opinion

“While the risk of infection is probably very low, blood borne viruses can be very serious and it is sensible that patients who think they could be affected are tested as soon as possible. <br/> <br/> “The claims against Dr Roberts, as described by Cardiff and the Vales University Health Board and Public Health Wales are very serious and, if substantiated, totally unacceptable. There is no excuse for reusing equipment which should have been disposed of after use. <br/> <br/>“Infection control processes are there to prevent risk to patients. Although the risk is very low for most patients, those concerned should contact the helpline because blood borne viruses can be extremely serious and have potentially long-lasting health implications. Early medical advice should be taken if a patient is concerned” <br/> <br/>The advice line is open from Tuesday October 20th until Friday October 30th . The number to call is 0800 952 0055. <br/> Mandy Luckman - Partner