A Hamilton, Ontario dental clinic is under scrutiny after Hamilton Public Health Services (HPHS) discovered that patients may have been exposed to improperly sterilised instruments over a period spanning nearly six years, from 25 July 2019 to 20 February 2025 . The investigation launched on 20 February, prompted by a patient complaint, revealed inadequate reprocessing practices and insufficient documentation to confirm proper sterilisation procedures. Although the clinic has since implemented corrective measures and as of 24 February 2025, complies with infection prevention and control standards, the case has been referred to the regulatory college for further review.​

This incident underscores the critical importance of stringent sterilisation protocols in dental practices to safeguard consumer health.