Health Brantford Ontario

Brantford dental clinic closed after probe finds sterilization lapses, 800 patients advised testing

Grand Erie Public Health closed Dr. George Chan Dentistry after an investigation found breaches in sterilization practices; about 800 patients treated between Nov. 3, 2021 and Nov. 3, 2025 have been urged to get hepatitis and HIV testing.

Brantford dental clinic closed after probe finds sterilization lapses, 800 patients advised testing
©Illustration AI Zoe Simard / inforadar.ca

Grand Erie Public Health (GEPH) ordered the closure of Dr. George Chan Dentistry at 353 St. Paul Ave. in Brantford after an Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) inspection identified problems with the sterilization and disinfection of reusable dental instruments.

What the investigation found

The IPAC review, triggered after a complaint, documented 15 lapses in the clinic's reprocessing and sterilization procedures. The closure of the clinic was posted on site on Nov. 3.

  • Scope of concern: Reusable equipment and disinfection practices.
  • Patient notification: Roughly 800 former patients have been advised to seek testing.
  • Time window: The advisory applies to patients treated between Nov. 3, 2021 and Nov. 3, 2025.

Patient follow-up and response

GEPH has asked those who received treatment in the four-year window to obtain testing for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV. The public health unit released photos and information as part of the investigation records, obtained through a freedom-of-information process.

"Earlier this week, GEPH reminded about 800 patients to get HIV and hepatitis testing."

The complaint that led to the inspection was filed by a former clinic receptionist, who said she examined a patient room and then complained to public health on Oct. 29, 2025. According to published reporting, she inspected a room on Oct. 28 before lodging the complaint.

Staffing and licensing

According to the reporting, Dr. George Chan resigned earlier in the month and is no longer able to practise dentistry. Public health measures and any professional-college actions remain separate processes; local patients should follow direction from GEPH and their health-care providers for testing and any needed follow-up.

Key dates and figures

ItemDetail
ClinicDr. George Chan Dentistry, 353 St. Paul Ave., Brantford
Closure dateNov. 3 (site notice)
Investigation findings15 lapses in sterilization/disinfection
Patients advised to testApproximately 800
Relevant treatment periodNov. 3, 2021 to Nov. 3, 2025

Photos from GEPH records shared with media show the clinic’s reprocessing area and the notice of closure at the entrance. Residents who believe they may be affected should check communications from Grand Erie Public Health for details on testing locations and timelines, and contact their primary care provider for advice.

Zoe Simard
Zoe AI Ontario Public Services Correspondent online

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