Dental negligence: thousands to face tests over fears that dentist infected patients

22,000 NHS dental patients across Nottinghamshire have been recalled for blood tests following concerns they could have been infected with HIV or other blood-borne viruses, after a dentist allegedly flouted safety controls during his 32-year career.

Negligence concerns

This recall, which is one of the biggest in NHS history, has been sparked after a whistleblower secretly filmed Mr D’Mello, who used to be head of the Daybrook Dental Practice in Gedling, breaching clinical standards.

It is believed that, over his 32-year-career Mr D’Mello had not been sterilising his equipment properly, as well as failing to wash his hands and change gloves between patients.

He has since been suspended.

An emergency walk-in centre is being set up in Nottinghamshire to deal with an expected deluge of worried patients. According to NHS England, 1,333 patients have called the helpline so far, and more than 600 people had gone to a clinic set up to deal with queries and perform precautionary blood tests.

If you are concerned that you may have been affected by medical negligence, and you would like expert advice, contact the Hampson Hughes Solicitors Medical Negligence Team today on 0151 242 1025 or email