Patient calls for more action after York dentist concerns

(York)– At least one patient of a York County dentist whose license was suspended after a state investigation would like to see more done to reassure patients who may have been exposed to diseases.

Perry Capurro and his seven-year-old son, Lucas, were patients of Dr. Jacqueline Marcin.

The State Board of Dentistry has temporarily suspended the Springettsbury Township dentist’s license after an investigation found equipment in her office wasn’t being properly sterilized.

The state Health Department warned patients to seek testing for Hepatitis B, C and HIV.

Capurro says it took a few days to arrange the proper tests, and he thinks the process could be made smoother.

“I think there needs to be somebody else added to the department who is a proactive, community health liaison, who can get the information and just personalize and show that little bit more empathy that kids and parents need at this time,” Capurro says. “This has been a very traumatic time for families.”

The Health Department has set up a hotline for Marcin’s patients and says it has been working with the dentist to correct infection control procedures.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends follow-up testing for HIV and Hepatitis, even after an initial negative result.