Over 800 Patients at Brantford, Ont., Clinic Urged to Get HIV and Hepatitis Tests After Dentist Resigns
Grand Erie Public Health is again urging former patients of a closed Brantford dental clinic to get tested for possible blood-borne infections after an investigation found problems with how reusable dental instruments were cleaned and sterilized.
The clinic, Dr. George Chan Dentistry, formerly operated at 353 St. Paul Ave. in Brantford and permanently closed on November 3, 2025.
Hundreds of Patients Sent Testing Letters
According to records obtained by CBC News through a freedom-of-information request, 884 patients were previously sent letters advising them to get tested because of equipment sterilization concerns.
Grand Erie Public Health says former patients who had dental procedures at the clinic between November 3, 2021, and November 3, 2025, should speak with a healthcare provider about testing for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV.
Only About Half Have Completed Testing
The health unit says only about half of the people who were mailed notification letters have completed the recommended testing.
Public health officials say the overall risk of infection remains low, but testing is still important because the results help guide the ongoing investigation and any future public health recommendations.
No Confirmed Infections Linked to Clinic
Grand Erie Public Health says that, at this time, no cases of blood-borne infection have been confirmed as being connected to the dental clinic.
When asked whether any former patients had tested positive for hepatitis B, hepatitis C or HIV after receiving the first letter, the health unit said it could not provide case-specific information.
Clinic Closed After IPAC Investigation
The investigation began after Grand Erie Public Health became aware of a possible infection prevention and control lapse on October 29, 2025.
An on-site investigation was conducted on November 3, 2025, the same day the dental office voluntarily and permanently closed. The matter was also referred to the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario, because the lapse involved a regulated dental professional.
Former Receptionist Says She Filed Complaint
Former clinic receptionist Lyn Portelli told CBC News she filed a complaint with Grand Erie Public Health on October 29, 2025.
She said she did so after looking into one of the patient rooms the day before while she was still employed at the clinic. That complaint led to an investigation by infection prevention and control officials.
Investigation Found Multiple Sterilization Problems
Grand Erie Public Health’s report described several infection prevention and control concerns at the clinic.
The findings included improper disinfection and sterilization of reusable instruments, insufficient sterilization logs, improper storage of sterilized items, ultrasonic cleaner testing issues, poor separation between dirty and clean areas, and reusable instruments not being processed according to manufacturer instructions.
Fifteen Lapses Reported by Health Unit
According to Grand Erie Public Health, the investigation identified 15 lapses involving disinfection and sterilization practices.
The public report said reusable dental instruments were not consistently handled according to provincial best practices for cleaning, disinfection and sterilization of medical equipment and devices.
Patients Began Receiving Letters in March
Patients began receiving public health letters in March 2026, although the letters were dated February 26, 2026.
Grand Erie Public Health said a patient recall was initiated in March as part of the corrective actions following the investigation.
Health Unit Explains Notification Timeline
CBC News asked why patients were not notified until March, given that the investigation took place in November.
The health unit said patients were notified after a detailed investigation carried out under internal policies and best practices, so that decisions were evidence-based, legally appropriate and protective of public health.
Public Reminder Issued in July
The reminder issued on July 7 was the first public call for testing from Grand Erie Public Health.
The health unit thanked former patients who had already completed testing and urged anyone who received a letter but had not yet been tested to follow through.
Health Officials Say Testing Provides Reassurance
Public Health Ontario told CBC News that the investigation is looking at possible risks such as transmission of hepatitis and HIV, along with any needed followup measures.
Officials said testing can give people important information about their health and help determine whether care or followup is needed, even when the chance of infection is low.
What Patients Were Told
According to the patient letter, former patients may have been exposed to dental instruments that were not properly sterilized.
The letter said improperly sterilized instruments used during dental care can potentially spread infections, including hepatitis B, hepatitis C and, less commonly, HIV.
A second letter was also included for healthcare providers, outlining the recommended testing.
Dentist Resigned From Ontario Regulator
CBC News reported that George Chan is listed on the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario website as having resigned effective July 2.
The regulator told CBC News that, because of the resignation, Chan is not entitled to practise dentistry in Ontario.
Where Former Patients Can Get Tested
Former patients who visited the clinic during the four-year period are encouraged to contact their primary-care provider or a walk-in clinic to discuss testing.
Grand Erie Public Health says a testing requisition form is required and can be accessed through its recall information page.
Options for Patients Without a Doctor
Patients without a primary-care provider can contact the Primary Care Access Clinic at 226-388-4725.
They can also book an appointment through the Virtual Urgent Care Clinic.
Grand Erie Public Health advises people not to go to an emergency department only for testing unless it is medically necessary.
The investigation into Dr. George Chan Dentistry has raised serious concerns for hundreds of former patients in Brantford.
While Grand Erie Public Health says the overall infection risk remains low and no confirmed cases have been linked to the clinic, officials are urging anyone who received a notification letter to complete testing for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV. Public health says the testing is precautionary, but it remains an important part of the ongoing investigation.
