Dr. Stein's Former Patients Worried About Health After Reused Needle Allegations
DENVER (CBS4)- The Colorado Department of Health and Environment has sent out 8,000 letters to the former patients of Dr. Stephen Stein asking them to get tested for HIV and Hepatitis B and C.
This comes during an investigation that Dr. Stein reused syringes and needles.
The letters have raised concerns among Dr. Stein's patients.
Former LA Kings hockey player Luke Crespi said Dr. Stein gave him his smile back after nine years of playing professional hockey.
In 2006, Crespi was chosen to be part of an experimental and new procedure at the time that Stein created and branded.
"It was called 'Teeth in an Hour,'" said Crespi. "He selected me and I was very gracious for that."
Crespi received $50,000 worth of dental work for free. But now he's frightened that his smile may have cost him his health.
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"When I found how out inexpensive a needle is, why would anyone making such a life for themselves do something so stupid?" said Crespi.
Bonnie Wing, also a former patient of Dr. Stein, made an appointment with her doctor to be tested for the infectious diseases.
"Shame on you, shame on you in having a professional license and serving the public and inflicting what could be life threatening to so many innocent people," said Wing.
"I'm in there hoping and knowing he's my answer to take care of me and I'm going to walk out of there better, not worse," said Crespi.
Another patient said her daughter, at the time 14 years old, saw Stein over a two year period and had four surgeries.
Her daughter had a compromised immune system from other illnesses. The woman said she specifically discussed the immune issues with Stein, explaining how the surgeries needed to be of the utmost cleanliness. Her daughter has been tested for HIV and Hepatitis and is awaiting those results.
Stein operated Stein Oral and Facial Surgery from September 1999 until June 2011 first in Highlands Ranch and then in Denver.
Stein agreed to stop practicing on June 24, 2011. He sold his practice in Highlands Ranch in September 2011 and the practice of reusing needles and syringes stopped.
The state is working with the Tri-County Health Department and Denver Public Health as the investigation continues.
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LINK: DORA Information On Filing Complaints Against Dentists
