People across Ayrshire have reacted with horror after receiving letters from their health board about a breach of infection control at a local dental practice.   

NHS Ayrshire and Arran say there is a risk of infection for patients of the Drongan Dental Surgery in Mill of Shield Road, Drongan. Patients had previously received a NHS letter last October saying there had been an investigation into this dentist but it was now seen to be complying with the regulations.

However to the horror of many a new letter has been sent out this week saying the practice was under investigation again following new information coming to light and there had been a breach of infection control.  Thompsons' clients who have contacted the NHS have been told blood tests have been arranged to screen people for Hepatitis B, C and HIV.

Thompsons understands that the patients have been told the tests are not compulsory but will be offered at special units to patients of this dental practice.  Many of Thompsons' clients say they will definitely take the tests and it  is extremely distressing for them and their children.

Patrick McGuire, a partner with Thompsons said the situation being faced by patients of the Drongan Dental practice is outrageous and very upsetting. He said "Many families, including children are caught up in this and they're demanding to know how a dentist could operate using filthy equipment. The health board say that the chance of infection from this equipment is low but these families now face an agonising wait to discover whether they're given the all clear. That's not acceptable and our clients need reassurance these test will be done as quickly as possible and that nothing like this will ever happen again." "We're operating a helpline for anyone who's concerned about these tests and wants to speak to our specialist team"

ENDS

Notes to Editors   Thompsons Dental Negligence Hotline 0800 081 29 24