Class Action Lawsuit Filed Against Tulsa Dentist In Health Scare

A class action lawsuit has been filed against a Tulsa oral surgeon accused of exposing thousands of his patients to hepatitis and HIV because of unsanitary clinics.

The lawsuit, filed by seven people in Tulsa County District Court, names Wayne Scott Harrington, his corporation, his medical staff and several pharmaceutical companies.

The lawsuit says that the plaintiffs were patients of Harrington's and were exposed to infectious diseases, through contaminated propofol vials. Propofol is an anesthetic used in medical procedures.

Five of the seven plaintiffs say they have been diagnosed with an infectious disease.

4/1/2013 Related Story: Criminal Charges Being Sought Against Tulsa Dentist Scott Harrington

A lawyer for Harrington did not immediately return a message seeking comment.

Health officials say Harrington exposed roughly 5,000 patients with infectious diseases due to rusty instruments and unsanitary practices. His office was shut down in March.

The Tulsa Health Department and other health departments across the state provided free screenings for patients of Harrington. Of the over 4,000 people tested, 77 patients tested positive for hepatitis C, and five for hepatitis B. Three tested positive for HIV.

Health officials have not confirmed that any of those cases were necessarily contracted at Harrington's practice.