Dr. Sandy Fletcher Montano pictured at Deer Park Dental shortly after opening in late 2020.
The Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD) released a press release about concerns for Deer Park Dental Clinic patients from November 2021 until Montano’s license was suspended in mid-2022.
Patients treated at the Deer Park Dental Clinic during a critical period are advised to take urgent action. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) and the Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD) have recommended that those who received care from Dr. Sandy Fletcher Montano between November 2021 and June 2022 should seek testing for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. This follows an investigation into alleged infection control violations at the clinic, located at 118 E. Crawford in Deer Park, WA.
The investigation began after a complaint raised concerns about the clinic’s practices, specifically regarding the improper cleaning and disinfection of reusable equipment, and the potential reuse of disposable instruments. While no disease transmission has been confirmed, state health officials caution that exposure to bloodborne pathogens is possible due to these breaches. They stress that the risk remains low, but testing is recommended to safeguard patient safety.
Following the allegations, the Washington State Department of Health initially suspended Montano’s license in June 2022. In April 2024, his license was indefinitely suspended after further investigation, and he can no longer practice within Washington State. Patients are being urged to contact their healthcare providers or visit local urgent care centers for testing, as early detection of any potential infection is vital for effective treatment.
Bloodborne diseases like hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV can remain asymptomatic for years, making it difficult to detect without lab tests. Although there have been no previous complaints about Dr. Montano’s infection control practices before 2021, health officials emphasize that those concerned about their exposure should discuss their risks with a healthcare provider.
Hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV are viral infections that can be transmitted through body fluids. Hepatitis B and C affect the liver and can lead to liver scarring, failure, or cancer, while HIV weakens the immune system, making individuals vulnerable to other infections. More information about these infections can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) website at CDC.gov, or patients can consult their healthcare providers.
These viral infections are treatable. Some people infected with hepatitis B or C may clear the infection on their own, while others may develop chronic conditions that lead to liver disease. HIV can be managed with treatment, but there is no cure.
Recommendations and Testing
For healthcare providers with patients who received care at this dental clinic, the recommended tests include:
- For hepatitis C: HCV antibody testing with immediate reflex to RNA for positive antibody results, as per CDC’s Recommended Testing Sequence for Identifying Current Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Infection.
- For hepatitis B: Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B total surface antibody (Anti-HBs), and total antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (total anti-HBc), per CDC’s guidance on Clinical Testing and Diagnosis for Hepatitis B.
- For HIV: CDC recommends HIV antibody testing, as outlined in their Clinical Testing Guidance for HIV.
The Washington State Department of Health has no records of other complaints about Dr. Montano’s infection control practices outside the Deer Park Dental Clinic case. However, if patients are concerned, they should consult their healthcare provider.
There is no post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) available for hepatitis C, and the window for PEP for hepatitis B (one week) and HIV (one month) has passed. Some individuals may have previously received the hepatitis B vaccine either in childhood or adulthood. Patients are encouraged to check their vaccination history and discuss it with their healthcare provider.
Sources:
“Patients of Deer Park Dental Clinic Advised to Seek Testing for Viral Hepatitis and HIV.” Spokane Regional Health District, 18 September 2024, SRHD.org/news/patients-of-deer-park-dental-clinic-advised-to-seek-testing-for-viral-hepatitis-and-hiv. Accessed 18 September 2024
