BEAUFORT DELTA (October 8, 2024) – The Chief Public Health Office (CPHO) of the NWT is advising residents who received dental care at the following five health care facilities on or between the dates listed below of an issue with infection prevention and control practices:
- Aklavik - Susie Husky Health and Social Services Centre from April 23-29
- Fort McPherson - Health Services from April 15-22
- Paulatuk - Sadie Sukayaaluk Ruben Health and Social Service Centre from April 2-14
- Sachs Harbour - Health Centre from March 21-24
- Ulukhaktok - Emegak Health and Social Services Centre from March 27-April 1
Clients who accessed dental services at the place and times set above may have undergone procedures during which equipment was not properly cleaned, disinfected and sterilized as per standard procedures. The risk of exposure to infections is very low, but as a precaution, the CPHO recommends that anyone who received treatment during this period get tested for Hepatitis C (HCV), Hepatitis B (HBV), and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
The CPHO wants to reassure the public that likelihood of infection is very low. However, since these infections can be present without symptoms, testing is recommended as a proactive measure.
Clients who received non-invasive dental services, in which no dental instruments were used are not considered at risk.
To arrange for testing, please contact your local health centre.
No further details will be provided at this time, as there is an active investigation underway, and the integrity of the process must be respected.
For more information, contact:
Andrew Wind
Manager Communications
Health and Social Services
Andrew_Wind@gov.nt.ca