Patients May Have Been Exposed To Diseases At Miramar Orthodontic Clinic

Last week, Nova Southeastern University sent a letter to 1152 patients who may have been exposed to HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C, at one of its 12 dental facilities. The orthodontic clinic is located at 3200 South University Drive in Miramar, Florida.

The November 23, 2018 letter was sent by Linda Niessen, a dean of the College of Dental Medicine. The letter identified three orthodontic procedures that may have exposed the patients to disease, having braces put on, braces removed or a bracket repair.

An NSU spokesman stated that the risk for potential exposure was caused by the failure of some post doctoral residents (dentists still in training) to properly sterilize the equipment. The university has not disclosed a time frame during which patients may have been exposed.

Given the significant health risks posed by these viruses, it would be prudent of patients who may have been exposed to advise their doctors.

David R Heffernan