Gowan said the dentist was removed from patient care on Oct. 21, immediately after senior staff learned of the violation. The VA’s Clinical Episode Response Team launched an investigation that concluded Oct. 31.

Brahm said the VA spent the past four weeks reviewing patient medical records and organizing a hotline and clinic for testing and follow-up care if needed.

“We needed to know exactly what we were dealing with first,” Gowan said. “Folks have not been sitting on their hands.”

A review board is scheduled to meet Dec. 5 to recommend disciplinary action against the dentist, who is currently on administrative duties.

Brahm said the VA also has contacted the dental licensing board in Texas, where the dentist was licensed, as well as state and federal prosecutors who are reviewing the case for possible criminal charges.

“This was a purposeful act by a dentist who knew better,” Brahm said.

The violation was initially reported by a dental assistant who was filling in for the dentist’s regular assistant, who Brahm said is also being investigated.