The Dental Hygiene Committee of California (DHCC) withdrew the state’s approval for the dental hygiene program at Concorde Career College-Garden Grove campus in California after lapses in infection control surfaced during an investigation.
The decision was announced during a DHCC committee meeting in Sacramento on Aug. 20. The DHCC is the governing board for dental hygiene in California.
Between April 8 and July 13, spore tests were not conducted in the clinic, and no faculty could be identified as overseeing the sterilization procedures. When testing did resume, the first test failed and Concorde Career College (CCC) was notified on July 15, according to testimony given.
Although a seal was replaced on one sterilizer after the failed test, no instruments were pulled, and no consumers were notified of the failed tests. An estimated 3,400 to 4,000 patient visits occurred at the clinic during the time period of the lapse in spore testing.
The patients still have not been notified of a possible exposure to bloodborne pathogens and the need for evaluation. The DHCC informed both the county and state health department of the issues.
The withdrawal of approval was effective immediately. Concorde Career Colleges can appeal the DHCC decision.
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