KING COUNTY – Parents to more than 1,200 students were notified that their kids could be at risk due to improperly sterilized dental equipment.

Neighborcare Health has notified 1,250 people who were treated at several of its dental clinics that staff failed to properly sterilize dental instruments at a dozen schools in Seattle and Vashon Island. The primary health care provider for low-income people advised them to get tested for hepatitis B and C, and HIV. The risk of infection is low and the testing is precautionary, according to the King County Department of Health.

A statement from Neighborcare Health says they have retrained all employees in sterilization procedures.

Testing will be provided to patients at no cost.