Free Testing For Metro Residents, Former Patients Of Tulsa County Dentist With Tainted Tools

The Oklahoma City-County Health Department is offering free testing for metro residents who may have been exposed to hepatitis and HIV while patients of a Tulsa County dentist.

The Oklahoma State Health Department announced Thursday that Dr. W. Scott Harrington used dirty tools at his practice in Owasso, and exposed up to 7,000 people to HIV, and hepatitis B and C. The health department is sending letters to all patients who have visited the practice since 2007.

3/29/2013 Related Story: Expert Reassures Public After Tulsa County Dental Health Scare

3/28/2013 Related Story: State Board Says Tulsa Dentist's Practice Was Unsafe, Unsanitary

Some of those patients may have moved to the metro. The Oklahoma City-County Health Department wants to offer those people free testing, and has extended hours at its main location at 921 N.E. 23rd Street in Oklahoma City. Those hours are:

• Friday, March 29 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Saturday, March 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• April 1 – April 5 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

All testing for former patients of Dr. Harrington will be free, and people can just walk in without an appointment. The Oklahoma City-County Health Department has also set up a hotline for those with questions about hepatitis and HIV. The number is (405) 425-4437.