By AP/St. Louis Public Radio
St. Louis – The Department of Veterans Affairs has notified 1,812 veterans that they could have been exposed to viral infections because dental equipment at the VA medical center in St. Louis was inadequately sterilized.
The VA sent letters Monday to veterans who had dental procedures performed at the John Cochran Dental Clinic from Feb. 1, 2009, through March 11 of this year.
Officials say while they believe the health risk is "extremely low," those who had procedures are being offered free screenings for infections.
Officials say the sterilization problem was determined during quality reviews.
Congressman Russ Carnahan is asking the VA to conduct a formal investigation.