February 19, 2019 – Ottawa – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

Brigadier-General Andrew Downes, Surgeon General and Commander of Canadian Forces Health Services Group, issued the following statement on the recent public health notice regarding an external, third-party dental clinic in Kingston, Ontario:

“The Canadian Forces Health Services (CFHS) has been made aware of a concern at an external, third-party dental clinic in Kingston, where a number of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) patients have been treated. We have been informed that a recent public health inspection identified improper cleaning and sterilization of dental instruments, which could result in blood-borne infections like Hepatitis and HIV. While no such infections have been reported and the risk is considered low, we are taking necessary precautions to ensure the health and safety of these CAF members.



“We are working with Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox & Addington Public Health on this matter, and we are reviewing our referral records to identify all members who were treated at this clinic between Jan 2010 and Jan 2019. Those members will be contacted directly with a recommendation to see their health care provider.



“For context, in delivering care to CAF members and other entitled personnel, the Canadian Forces Health Services augments its on-base medical and dental care by referring some patients to external health care providers.



“Any member with questions or concerns are encouraged to consult their health care provider.”