Here’s the latest I can share based on recent public health reports:
NSW Health issued an urgent public health alert (dated May 12, 2026) advising former patients of retired Sydney dentist Dr William Tam (Strathfield clinic on Albert Road) to consider testing for HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. The alert notes the dentist is no longer practicing and that infection-control deficiencies were identified in an April audit, with patient-record-keeping also flagged as a concern. Authorities emphasize that while the overall likelihood of transmission is low, testing is a precautionary measure for those who may have been treated by Dr Tam over the past 25 years. [sources: Guardian article; 7News coverage; ABC News summary; NSW Health FAQ page][1][2][3][7]
The situation has been described as a broad patient-notification effort affecting thousands of individuals who may have been seen at the Strathfield clinic over a long period. Due to incomplete records cited by officials, public health teams are working to identify and contact affected patients, but some individuals may need to proactively seek testing if they recall receiving care from the clinic. [sources: Guardian summary; 7News; Perth Now; ABC][2][3][5][1]
Coverage across outlets notes that the Dental Council of NSW raised concerns specifically about sterilisation practices, cleaning protocols, and management of patient records, contributing to the public health response. Dr Tam has retired and is not listed as an active dentist. [sources: Guardian; ABC; 7News; Health NSW page][3][7][1]
If you’d like, I can:
Note: This is current as of May 13, 2026, and I can monitor for updates if you’d like me to track further developments.
Health official says thousands of people may be affected due to 'poor infection control practices' at Strathfield clinic
www.theguardian.comAuthorities urged patients to get tested due to "poor infection control practices" at the Australian clinic.
ground.newsThousands of patients at a Sydney dental practice are being warned they may have been exposed to blood-borne viruses, after a routine audit exposed infection control concerns.
www.perthnow.com.auRetired dentist William Tam may have exposed his patients to hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV at his clinic, according to NSW Health.
www.abc.net.auPatients seen over more than 20 years are being urged to get checked.
7news.com.auNSW Health on Wednesday urged all former patients of retired Sydney dentist dr william tam to see their GP for testing for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV after an audit raised infection control concerns at his Strathfield practice.The alert covers thousands of people who may have been treated over…
www.el-balad.comDr William Tam Dental Surgery is a Dentist in Strathfield, NSW. Click to view detailed information or to book an appointment with the dentists
www.dentist.com.auAuthorities urged patients to get tested due to "poor infection control practices" at the Australian clinic.
www.bbc.com## What is the issue?e The Chief Health Officer has issued a public warning about the infection control practices of Dr William Tam who is a former dentist who practised at Suite B, 2 Albert Road, Strathfield 2135. A recent audit of Dr Tam’s premises by the Dental Council of NSW identified concerns about infection control at the premises.
www.health.nsw.gov.au