Agency Going Online To Track Down Patients Of Tulsa Dentist In Health Scare

Oklahoma health officials plan to use social media and other means as they try to find every patient of a Tulsa oral surgeon who allegedly ran unsanitary clinics.

The state Health Department wants 7,000 patients of Dr. W. Scott Harrington to be tested for hepatitis and the virus that causes AIDS. It said Monday it is not sure whether it can reach all of the doctor's patients through the mail and will use social media, agency websites and media releases to find patients.

Oklahoma health officials said in March that Harrington's equipment wasn't always clean and that needles were re-inserted in drug vials after their initial use. Harrington's attorney didn't return a message seeking comment.

Researchers say it is extremely rare for viruses to spread in dental offices.

5/2/2013 Related Story: Health Department Reports 4 New Patients Of Tulsa Dentist Positive For Hepatitis C