GALVESTON COUNTY, Texas - As many as 9,500 patients who had dental work done at two local clinics may have been put at risk for contracting deadly diseases.
An audit of the Coastal Health and Wellness Center in Texas City and in Galveston showed 11 different life-threatening violations related to staff not cleaning or sterilizing instruments used during procedures.
The main concerns are for patients who had invasive procedures that may have been exposed to Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C, and even HIV.
Galveston County officials are urging everyone affected to come in for a blood test at no cost.
They said they will reach out those they feel may be at risk. Testing services will begin on Monday. Officials are also launching a public hotline (409) 938-2397 for anyone with questions.
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