Patients of Deer Park Dental Urged to Seek Hepatitis & HIV Tests.
SEP 2024 • DEER PARK, Wash. — Patients of a former Deer Park dentist are being urged to get tested for possible exposure to hepatitis and HIV after concerns were raised about infection control practices.
The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is advising former patients of Dr. Sandy Fletcher Montano to seek testing for bloodborne illnesses, including hepatitis and HIV. A report from June 2022 revealed improper sanitation at Montano’s dental office, which closed in the same month.
Jennyfer Mesa, executive director of Latinos en Spokane, emphasized the importance of testing, especially for patients in the Hispanic community, where Montano, the only bilingual dentist in the area, had heavily advertised.
“If they did receive treatment from this doctor, please go out and get tested,” Mesa urged.
The DOH report detailed numerous infection control violations, including reusing disposable items such as X-ray barriers, towels and suction devices. DHS also claims that Montano sometimes used dirty or damaged gloves—or did not wear gloves at all.
Mesa said the situation is “very disheartening and alarming” for the community, adding that it concerns the broader health of Spokane County.
The first complaints about Montano’s practices surfaced in November 2021. After an investigation, the DOH found that the risk of infection, while considered low, was significant enough to recommend testing out of an abundance of caution.
“So far, no cases of infection have been reported,” said a DOH spokesperson. However, the department is encouraging former patients to get tested as a precaution.
Montano’s clinic, Deer Park Dental, was located at 118 E. Crawford Road. While the clinic has since closed, there is an unrelated dental clinic in Deer Park with a similar name.
Latinos en Spokane noted that Montano catered to uninsured and undocumented patients, many of whom are now concerned about potential health impacts.
For those who received care at Montano’s clinic, testing is available, and health officials urge anyone who may have been affected to prioritize their health.
KREM 2 News reached out to a representative of Montano who said they would be launching their own investigation into the allegations.
