Infection control among workers is focus of VA dental clinic investigation

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DAYTON — The Dayton VA Medical Center closed its dental clinic for three weeks late this summer as part of an ongoing investigation into whether employees were following infection control practices.

No evidence has been uncovered to date indicating any veterans have been infected, said Dr. George Arana, acting assistant deputy undersecretary for health operations and clinical management for the Department of Veterans Affairs in Washington, D.C.

It wasn’t immediately clear how many of the clinic’s 12 to 14 employees might not have been adhering to infection control standards. The alleged inappropriate practices may have been going on for years, perhaps even decades, Arana said.

The temporary closing resulted in the cancellation of 657 patient appointments. Those patients with more immediate dental needs were referred to VA clinics in Cincinnati, Columbus or Chillicothe, officials said.

An employee raised concerns about infection control practices at the Dayton VA dental clinic while an internal VA panel was reviewing clinic operations in late July. VA officials closed the clinic Aug. 19 and reopened it Sept. 10.

“We wanted to be assured that patients were in a safe environment,” Dayton VA Director Guy Richardson said.

The allegations involved improper use of protective gear such as gloves, as well as the inappropriate use of burs — rotary cutting instruments used in dentistry for excavating decay, shaping cavity forms, reducing tooth structure, and adjusting or removing prostheses or dentures.

The allegations did not involve needles, which comprise the major risk for transmitting bloodborne pathogens, officials said.

Patient volumes have returned to normal levels, VA officials said. Spokesman Todd Sledge said the clinic’s staffing levels have not changed significantly since the incident. The clinic has seven dentists.

The investigation should be complete in one to three months, Arana said.

Sledge said he’s not aware of any disciplinary action so far related to the incident, though discipline could be forthcoming.

VA officials said they announced the investigation in the interest of transparency and accountability.

Patients with concerns may call a toll-free VA number: 1 (877) 424-8214.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-7457 or bsutherly @DaytonDailyNews.com.