Tulsa Health Department: Another Dental Patient Tests Positive For Hepatitis B

The health department reported one more of dentist Scott Harrington's patients tested positive for hepatitis B, bringing the total to five. A total of 70 patients have tested positive for hepatitis C and the health department reported last week that it has identified three positive cases of HIV.

In March, Tulsa County health officials urged 7,000 patients of Dr. Harrington to be tested for hepatitis and the virus that causes AIDS, after state Board of Dentistry investigators said Harrington was using "unsafe and unsanitary" practices in his Tulsa-area offices. To date, over 3,800 patients have been tested at county health departments all over the state.

5/9/2013 Related Story: Health Department: 3 Positive Cases Of HIV Identified Among Harrington Patients

Earlier this week, the Oklahoma State Board of Health held an executive session regarding the investigation into Harrington.

The board has yet to take action and no criminal charges have been filed against Harrington. Oklahoma's Health Commissioner said officials are still trying to contact his former patients, but the investigation is going smoothly and is starting to wind down.

The health department will continue investigating to determine if the patients contracted the diseases from either of Harrington's Tulsa-area clinics.

Testing of former patients continues at the North Regional Health and Wellness Center at 5635 North Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Tulsa.

They say current and former patients of Harrington's who live outside of Tulsa should contact their local county health department to make an appointment for screening.

5/14/2013 Related Story: State Health Board Discusses Investigation Of Tulsa Dentist