Oklahoma health officials now say 77 patients of Tulsa oral surgeon W. Scott Harrington, DMD, have tested positive for hepatitis C.
In addition, five former patients of Dr. Harrington have tested positive for hepatitis B and four for HIV, according to state and Tulsa health officials.
Friday, June 28, is the final day for former patients of Dr. Harrington to receive free testing for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV infection, but the epidemiological investigation will continue, Tulsa health officials said.
To date, 3,991 people have visited county health departments throughout the state to have their blood tested, and an unknown number have sought testing through their private healthcare provider.
Patients whose tests are positive are being personally contacted and counseled about information specific to the disease, and they will be directed to resources for appropriate care and follow-up. If warranted, testing will be recommended for a spouse or partner.
The Oklahoma Board of Dentistry launched an investigation of Dr. Harrington on March 15 after being notified that health officials were looking into a complaint about potential hepatitis C contamination at his practice. On March 28, public health officials began notifying 7,000 of Dr. Harrington's patients that they may have been exposed to blood-borne viruses at his Tulsa and Owasso offices and should be tested for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV.
Patients with negative test results who had dental procedures in the Harrington clinic between September 20, 2012, and March 20, 2013, have been advised to return for follow-up testing at least six months past the last dental clinic date at Dr. Harrington's practice.
