Nova Southeastern University's dental school is making a big admission.
The prescribed sterilization process for equipment was not being used at the Post-Graduate Orthodontic Clinic at 3200 South University Drive in Davie.
Instead of the complete heat sterilization process, school officials say the equipment only received a surface disinfectant wipe.
The University's Brandon L. Hensler says, “According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this created a minimal risk for possible exposure to hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV viruses for some of our orthodontics patients. The CDC and an independent infection control expert retained by NSU said the risk is extremely low. Still, decisive steps have been taken to eliminate the variance and to ensure that all protocols are strictly followed."
More than 1,100 orthodontic patients who may have been exposed have been sent a notification and offered doctor consultation and blood tests.
Dental Medicine Dean Linda Niessen adds, “We have corrected the situation in this one clinic to be consistent with standard protocols in our other 11 dental clinics. We deeply regret this situation, because the safety and well-being of our patients is our highest priority."