More than 22,000 patients have been recalled amid fears they could have contracted blood-borne infections including HIV after being treated by a Nottinghamshire dentist in Britain.

The dentist has been named as Desmond D'Mello, who worked at the former Daybrook Dental Practice in Gedling for more than 32 years.

The investigation into his conduct began after a whistleblower provided covertly-filmed footage in June this year of Mr D'Mello using the same instruments for more than one patient without sterilising them and failing to wash his hands and change gloves.

Some 166 people, who featured in the footage, are considered to be at the greatest risk of infection.

Mr D'Mello has recently been tested for blood-borne viruses and has been found to be clear of infection, but his actions may have put patients at risk.

He was suspended for 18 months by the UK's General Dental Council on August 21st.

NHS England says it is not possible to know how long he has been using inadequate infection control procedures so they are asking anyone who has been treated by him to contact them. The patients will all need to undergo a blood test.

It said if there had been any transfer of blood between patients there is a low risk of the spread of hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV.

In November last year, the British Care Quality Commission found the dental practice met standards for cleanliness and infection control.

The National Clinical Assessment Service also assessed Dr D'Mello in February this year and found he met its standards.

Dr Doug Black, medical director for NHS England in Nottinghamshire, said: "In June this year, we at NHS England were contacted by a whistleblower who had concerns about the standards of clinical care being provided to patients."

"The whistleblower provided us with evidence to support these claims, including covertly-filmed footage of Mr D'Mello, which was filmed over a three-day period during early June this year."

"This footage appears to show multiple failures in cross-infection control standards whilst patients were undergoing dental treatment."

He added: "We are extremely sorry for the undoubted worry and concern people may feel on hearing this news. I would like to stress again that the risk is low but would encourage anyone affected to contact the advice line."

Dr Vanessa MacGregor, consultant in communicable disease control for Public Health England in the East Midlands, said: "We have worked hard to identify the potential risk to individuals who may have been at risk of contracting hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV and I would like to emphasise the risk of infection is low and that testing is being offered as a precautionary measure."