NSW Health alert urges Sydney dentist patients to test for blood-borne viruses
Consensus Summary
Health authorities in New South Wales have issued an urgent public health alert advising thousands of former patients of retired dentist Dr William Tam to get tested for blood-borne viruses, including HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. Dr Tam, who practised at Suite B, 2 Albert Road in Strathfield for over 25 years, was found to have poor infection control practices and inadequate patient record-keeping during a recent audit by the Dental Council of NSW. While the risk of infection is described as low, NSW Health is urging all former patients to seek testing as a precaution, as symptoms of these viruses may not appear for decades. Authorities have been unable to contact patients directly due to missing records, and those affected are advised to consult their GP, Healthdirect, or NSW Health for further guidance. The alert was issued on May 13, 2026, with additional mental health support provided for those distressed by the news.
â Verified by 2+ sources
Key details reported by multiple sources:
- Retired dentist Dr William Tam practised at Suite B, 2 Albert Road, Strathfield, Sydneyâs inner-west for over 25 years
- NSW Health issued a public health alert on May 13, 2026, advising all patients of Dr Tam to get tested for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV
- A recent audit by the Dental Council of NSW found concerns about infection control practices and patient record-keeping at Dr Tamâs practice
- Thousands of people may have been seen by Dr Tam, but there are no records to contact them
- Dr Leena Gupta, clinical director of public health for Sydney Local Health District, stated that former patients may be at low risk but should test as a precaution
- Former patients are urged to contact their GP, Healthdirect (1800 022 222), or NSW Health for further information
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- The alert was issued on Wednesday (May 13, 2026) at 04:25:26.555534
- The article specifies the exact time of publication for the alert
- Includes a mental health support line (1800 011 511) for those distressed by the news
- The ABC contacted Dr Tam, who declined to comment
- The article includes a specific attribution to ABC Mid North Coast reporter Kerrin Thomas
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- The Guardian and ABC mention the alert was issued on May 13, 2026, but only the Guardian provides the exact time (04:25:26.555534), while Newscomau does not specify the time
Source Articles
Health alert issued urging thousands of patients of retired Sydney dentist to get tested for HIV and hepatitis
Health official says thousands of people may be affected due to âpoor infection control practicesâ at Strathfield clinic Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Patients of a retired Sydney dentist who practised for more than 25 years have been urged to get tested for blood-borne viruses. Blood-borne viruses spread when infected blood or other bodily fluids are passed from one person to another, including through contami
Urgent health warning after dentist audit
Thousands of patients at a Sydney dental practice are being warned they may have been exposed to blood-borne viruses, after a routine audit exposed infection control concerns.
Patients of retired Sydney dentist advised to test for bloodborne viruses
Retired dentist William Tam may have exposed his patients to hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV at his clinic, according to NSW Health.