Ex-Patient Of 'Unsanitary' Tulsa Dentist Not Surprised By Allegations

The Oklahoma State Board of Dentistry is asking all patients who had a bad experience with Dr. W. Scott Harrington to come forward.

The board said those complaints are critical to its investigation.

Harrington is alleged to have engaged in unsafe and unsanitary practices that may have endangered the health of at least 7,000 patients. The Oklahoma State Health Department said last week that it was in the process of notifying thousands of former patients and urging them to take hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV tests.

The investigation into Harrington's practices is ongoing, and could escalate to criminal charges. Rogers met with Tulsa County District Attorney earlier this week to discuss prosecution.

In the meantime, the Dental Board said it is primarily looking for people who've had issues at Harrington's office within the past three years, but all complaints will help.

04/3/2013 Related Story: Embattled Tulsa Dentist Releases Statement About Investigation

When news hit that Harrington's office was under investigation for negligence, it didn't take Suzanne Dye by surprise.

"I really kind of thought it would catch up with him before now," Dye said.

Dye was Harrington's patient in the late 1980s.

Her dentist referred her to the oral surgeon.

"I thought it would be easier if I was just put to sleep and he just extracted [the tooth]," she said. "That's the reason I paid the price for an oral surgeon."

Before the operation, Dye said she told Harrington that she's allergic to Novocain.

"I was a little apprehensive about him believing me, and sure enough, he didn't," Dye said.

While she was under the knife, the dentist used medicine that could have killed her, she said.

"My throat was swelling, and my tongue was swelling, and he had given me [Novocain]," Dye said.

Even though Dye's incident happened more than 20 years ago, the State Board of Dentistry still wants to know about her case and similar situations.

Read The Oklahoma Board Of Dentistry's Complaint Against Dr. Harrington

Executive Director Susan Rogers said cases like these could help if Harrington tries to renew his dental license.

Although Dye is upset about Harrington's practice, she said he's not solely to blame.

"I'm very disappointed in his staff," Dye said. "They knew better and they didn't do better."

04/02/2013 Related Story: Records Show Tulsa Dentist Settled Two Malpractice Suits In Past

There's one thing she has taken away from all of this.

"Now, if I have a dentist that doesn't believe me, I get up and walk out, because I won't get a second chance," Dye said with tears in her eyes. "I wish I would have followed my gut, and I didn't."

The Dental Board said it has received many complaints already, and it's hoping to get more.

To file a complaint, click here.