Patients of now-suspended WA dentist should get tested for HIV and hepatitis, state says

State health officials are urging some patients of a Washington dentist to get tested for HIV and hepatitis B and C.

Patients who saw Dr. Sandy Fletcher Montano at the Deer Park Dental Clinic in Spokane County between November 2021 and June 2022 are encouraged to get tested, the Washington State Department of Health said in a Sept. 18 advisory. The statement follows a wave of disciplinary action by state officials, all of which Montano has heavily contested.

“Potential infection control breaches were identified via a reported complaint and included improper cleaning and disinfection of reusable equipment and improper reuse of disposable equipment,” health officials said. “These practices could expose patients to blood and other infectious materials.”

Reshauna Striggles, a spokesperson for Montano, said Montano “is unsure of why this alert is being sent 3 years after the initial claims.”

“However, Dr. Montano welcomes former patients of Deer Park Dental to receive testing to calm any fears the alert may have brought them as patient safety and satisfaction are a priority (of) his.”

According to the health agency, the Washington State Department of Health received the complaint about Montano’s practice in November 2021.

On Dec. 1, 2021, a Department of Health investigator attempted to do an inspection of the clinic, but the agency says that Montano refused to allow it.

His dental license was suspended in June 2022, health officials said.

Then, in April 2024, the agency suspended Montano’s license indefinitely.

Since 2022, Montano has pushed back on allegations against him, saying he issued a complaint with the Washington State Department of Health. In a petition on Change.org, a statement from Montano says that the original complaints filed against him came from disgruntled former employees.

“Dr. Montano firmly believes these allegations were brought on as retaliation by former employees who were recently confronted about embezzlement and other inappropriate actions,” the statement reads.

Montano says that complaints about him violating sanitation and infection control protocols were filed shortly thereafter.

“Dr. Montano has always been committed to maintaining the highest standards of care and safety for his patients. He is fully cooperating with the Dental Quality Assurance Commission and has initiated an independent review of the allegations to ensure transparency and integrity throughout this process,” the statement says.

The health department says that while risk of infection among Montano’s patients is low, they should still see their doctor and get tested “out of an abundance of caution.”

“Patients treated by Dr. Montano at Deer Park Dental Clinic before November 2021 or at dental clinics where Dr. Montano previously practiced should speak to their healthcare provider about potential risks and decide whether to seek testing,” health officials said.

Health officials said they have no record of related complaints against Dr. Montano outside of Deer Park Dental Clinic or prior to November 2021.

Additionally, no cases of hepatitis B, hepatitis C or HIV have been found in connection with the clinic as of Sept. 18, health officials said.

This story was originally published September 24, 2024 at 4:24 PM with the headline "Patients of now-suspended WA dentist should get tested for HIV and hepatitis, state says."