Calgary dental-lab owner now self-isolating after public complaint filed, AHS says

Alberta Health Services says a Calgary dental-lab owner who allegedly refused to self-isolate after attending a Vancouver dental conference linked to several positive COVID-19 cases is now in self-isolation and their lab is closed as a precaution.

Earlier today, CBC News reported a notice from the College of Dental Technologists of Alberta, sent to its members, that said Alberta Health Services (AHS) was trying to track down the individual.

In a statement Thursday afternoon, AHS spokesperson Kerry Williamson said the health authority received an anonymous complaint on Monday, March 16 regarding an individual who "may have attended" the Pacific Dental Conference in Vancouver.

So far, at least seven of Alberta's confirmed COVID-19 cases and several more in B.C. have been linked to that conference.

"As there were no specifics or contact information for the anonymous caller, AHS reached out to three affiliated dental colleges to notify them of this complaint," Williamson said in a statement that did not identify the lab or owner. "The colleges extended our requests to their memberships.

"As of March 19, AHS has been in contact with the individual in question, confirmed they attended the conference and they are now in self-isolation," he said.

Williamson added that as a precaution on the advice of AHS, the dental lab is now closed. No dental patients have been affected.

Anyone who attended the dental conference needs to self-isolate immediately, health officials said earlier this week.

All non-emergency dental treatment and services were cancelled by the Alberta Dental Association and College earlier this week.