Hundreds of mainly Tongan patients are believed to have  “been exposed to blood-borne diseases such as Hepatitis C or B, or other cross-contamination of infection risks†after Mr Sione Heinave Vailea was found by CMDHB to be conducting dental work in Mangere without registration .
Counties Manukau District Health Board found evidence that Vailea has been providing dental treatment and issuing prescription to patients for many years in his home.
Patients of Vailea are urged to contact a hospital as soon as possible.
Investigation found that Vailea’s performed dental activities included fillings, extractions, denture work, and gold inlays.
Police arrested Mr Vailea yesterday and DHB’s spokesman Clive Ross said he will be facing 12 charges in relation to practising without certification and issuing prescriptions.
Ross said Mr Vailea had undertaken some dental therapy training but was not registered as a dental therapist and therefore not a qualified dentist.
Investigation also found evidence that Vailea might have issued prescription for antibiotics and painkillers under someone else name.
“It is very important that anybody who has been treated by this man come forward for advice,” Ross said.
Police and DHB investigated following a complaint from a patient that was unhappy with  Mr Vailea’s dental work.
Mr Vailea’s patients can call the Middlemore Hospital Pacific Health Unit on 09 276 0044 ext 9006 between 8am and 4.30pm.
