More Cases Of Bacterial Infections Linked To Dental Clinic
ANAHEIM (CBSLA.com) — Young patients treated at Anaheim's Children's Dental Group are still showing up sick at local hospitals with abscesses in their mouth and neck.
Orange County health officials report that there are now 29 cases of the same bacterial infection linked to contaminated water at the clinic. The children between 3 and 9 years old have all been hospitalized.
CBSLA's Michelle Gile first reported on the infections three weeks ago after parents of several children came forward to say their children were sick.
Since then 54 kids have been evaluated there and eight of them are currently hospitalized. Many of the Children's Dental Group clients in Anaheim are low income covered by DENTI CAL.
Orange County Health Care agency launched an investigation, identifying 500 kids given the same procedure who may have been exposed to the bacteria. It was after the founder of Children's Dental died a few years ago the former employee says that things changed.
Children's Dental in Anaheim was directed in mid September to stop all procedures that required use of the water system where bacteria was found. The county says the clinics owners have been cooperative and that the installation of a new on site water supply system has been approved.
RELATED LINK: Children's Dental Group Offers Statement About Recent Link To Infections
Officials are asking any clients of Medi-Cal who believe the dentists did excessive or unnecessary treatments to file a complaint with the Dental Board and with the Medi-Cal Fraud Unit.
To report Medi-Cal fraud, click here or call their hotline: (800) 722-0432. You can also access their online complaint form.
