Unlicensed dentist may have spread viruses, AHS says

Unlicensed operation could have spread viruses including HIV, agency says

After shutting down an unlicensed dental office in a southwest residence last week, Alberta Health Services is asking anyone who received services there to be tested for several serious viruses, including HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C.

“Our investigation has shown there was not appropriate cleaning of instruments. Whoever accessed services here might have been exposed to blood-borne viruses,” said Dr. Judy MacDonald, medical officer of health for AHS Calgary Zone.

“Simply wiping down an instrument with a wet cloth does not reduce those risks.”

AHS is alerting anyone who received dental care at 20 Somervale Close S.W. and/or from Natalia Prohkin, of the same address, to call HealthLink at 811 to arrange for simple, confidential laboratory blood testing.

While MacDonald couldn’t say how many patients had been treated at the residential office, she did say there were several dental stations and chairs on site.

And while there was no evidence of any public promotion of the dental services, even through online advertising, investigators suspect it was mostly family and friends treated by Prohkin at the home.

Investigators at the inspection said Prohkin did not provide a list of patients, and did not answer all of their questions in a forthright manner, MacDonald added.

It is not clear whether extractions or other major procedures requiring drugs and freezing were occurring on site, MacDonald added, although there was some evidence that cleanings and fillings were being performed.

Prohkin, which is a name of Eastern European or Russian descent, is not from Canada.

Neighbours of the two-storey Somerset home said they did not know Prohkin or that there was a dental office operating out of a home on their street.

Officials say the operation will remain under closure order unless significant changes are made to meet all legislative and licensing requirements in Alberta.

This includes ensuring the individual delivering dental care is a licensed dentist.