Cairns dental patients warned: get tested

Patients of a Cairns dental clinic are being urged by Queensland health authorities to undergo testing for infectious diseases such as hepatitis and HIV.

Problems with infection control practices were identified at private dental clinic Essential Dental for Life, following assessments by the Tropical Public Health Unit and the Office of the Health Ombudsman.

"Although we have no indication that any infectious or transmissible disease has been contracted by patients, it is important people be tested," the head of the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service Dr Don Mackie said in a statement.

The clinic has been shut down until it meets infection control standards.

"The risk of disease transmission is very small," Dr Mackie said.

Patients treated at the clinic from March last year could be at risk and should contact the Tropical Public Health Unit.