Media Contact: Mark Johnson, PIO | Washington State Department of Health | Mark.Johnson@doh.wa.gov | 360.480.8973

The Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD) and the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) Healthcare-Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance Section recommends bloodborne pathogens testing for patients who received care from Sandy Fletcher Montano, DDS, at the Deer Park Dental Clinic (118 E. Crawford, Deer Park, WA 99006) during the time period between November 2021 and June 2022. Patients should contact their personal healthcare providers to arrange for testing for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. Most urgent cares also provide these tests.

DOH was notified of potential infection control allegations that may impact patient health at Deer Park Dental Clinic, Deer Park, Wash., in Spokane County in November 2021. DOH suspended the license of Sandy Fletcher Montano, DDS, in June 2022, and indefinitely suspended his license in April 2024.

DOH has no record of other complaints related to infection control practices by Montano prior to November 2021. For those patients who received dental care from Montano at Deer Park Dental Clinic or at dental clinics where Montano previously practiced before November 2021, should talk to their own healthcare provider about potential risks and decide whether to seek testing.

The potential infection control breaches were reported as a complaint and include improper cleaning and disinfection of reusable equipment and improper reuse of disposable equipment which could expose patients to blood and other infectious material. While no disease transmission has been identified at this time, if these practices occurred at the clinic, it is possible that they may have exposed patients to bloodborne pathogens (hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV). The risk of contracting a disease is believed to be low.

Hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV can sometimes cause no symptoms in patients for many years after infection. Even without symptoms, infected patients can transmit to others. Laboratory testing of a person’s blood is the only way to be certain they are not infected. These illnesses are serious but often treatable. Details about specific tests are available in the Q&A.

SRHD and DOH are unable to notify impacted patients individually due to Montano’s non-compliance with the investigation.

Please see Q&A for more information.

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Spokane Regional Health District is a leader and partner in public health by protecting, improving and promoting the health and well-being of all people through evidence-based practices. SRHD is one of 34 local public health agencies serving Washington state’s 39 counties. Visit www.srhd.org for comprehensive, updated information about SRHD and its triumphs in making Spokane a safer and healthier community. Like SRHD on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to receive safety and wellness tips.