Updated Oct. 3, 2024. This press release was previously published on Sept. 18, 2024.

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) between Nov. 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 believes some patients might have been exposed to bloodborne pathogens at Montano’s practice during that timeframe. Montano’s patients during that time might wish to seek testing for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV. No disease transmission has been identified at this time, and the risk of having contracted these diseases 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.

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.