Patients at Davie Dental Clinics may have been exposed to viruses such as hepatitis or HIV because of a failure of sterilization – Univision 23 Miami

According to a letter from NSU last Friday, the problem was discovered at the postgraduate orthodontic clinic at 3200 South University Drive in Davie.

None of the 11 other dental clinics in the university seem to have been affected.

The letter informed more than 1,100 patients that failure to follow proper sterilization procedures created minimal risk of possible exposure to certain viruses.

"Instead of the full heat sterilization process, the team received a surface disinfectant rag," NSU spokesman Brandon L. Hensler said in a statement.

"Once the university learned that there had been an isolated protocol violation in this clinic, the NSU conducted a thorough review to ensure that this clinic was following the same protocols as those prescribed by the Center for the Control and Prevention of Clinical Dental Diseases. "

The statement says that according to the CDC, this fails "created minimal risk of possible exposure to hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV viruses in some of our orthodontic patients".

The CDC and an independent infection control expert recruited by NSU said the risk was extremely low.

However, they argue that decisive action has been taken to resolve the problem and ensure strict compliance with all protocols.

The letter sent informed patients that they could be examined by a NSU doctor or by their own doctor, in which case the NSU would cover the costs of the visit.

The NSU medical team will be available for the next 60 days from Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 17:00.

Patients who have received a notification letter can contact NSU physicians at 954-262-4144 for assistance.

Other patients or people who have questions or concerns about dental clinics can call 954-262-1868.

"The School of Dentistry at Nova Southeastern University is committed to providing high quality orthodontic care", is read in the letter.