An investigation is underway and individuals who received dental treatment in April in five different Beaufort Delta communities are being advised to get tested for Hepatitis C, Hepatitis B and HIV.

Risk of infection is very low and the tests should be taken as a precaution, said chief public health officer Dr. Kami Kandola in a public health advisory issued Oct. 8.

"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," Kandola stated. "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). 

"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."

Anyone who received dental care on or in between the follow dates at the following locations is advised to get tested as a precaution:

-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