You may have seen in the media lately that Mark Roberts, a Dentist on Splott Road in Cardiff has been suspended by the General Dental Council following allegations that he re-used dental equipment which should have been disposed of following a single use.
The General Dental Council decided, on 25 September 2015, at a Review Hearing, to continue with the suspension of Mr Mark Roberts’ registration. It has only recently been reported in the media although it appears that he was, in fact, suspended as long ago as February 2015.
According to the media, over 3000 patients have now been contacted with a view to assessing whether they could be infected by blood borne viruses as a result of the re-use of the dental equipment.
The allegations are that he re-used cartridges used in the application of local anaesthetic, which ought to be disposed of following a single use. He is also alleged to have re-used equipment utilised in root canal procedures, which also should be disposed of following a single use.
Whilst health bosses have reassured the public that the chance of having contracted a blood borne illness such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, or HIV is “very low” that will, of course, be of little reassurance to former patients of Dr Mark Roberts who have received dental treatment from him and who may now receive a letter advising them of the risk to which they have been exposed.
Here at Martyn Prowel Solicitors we are already instructed by former patients of Dr Roberts in respect of potential claims for damages. Whilst the outcome of blood tests are of course not available at this stage, as the tests themselves take some time to be processed, the hope is, of course, that the results will be clear. However, the anxiety and mental frustration suffered by patients of Mark Roberts during the period of “not knowing”, whilst awaiting the blood test results, is an injury in itself.
If you feel that you have been affected by the treatment you have received from Mark Roberts, or receive a letter advising you to obtain further advice in relation to the potential scenario that you have contracted a blood borne virus, please call our Dental Negligence Team on 029 2047 0909 and speak with one of our qualified Solicitors to register your details and for appropriate documentation to be prepared in readiness for submission of your claim.