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MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A local dentist has been suspended after representatives from the Tennessee Health Department found he kept unsanitary conditions at his practice.

According to documents obtained by WREG, inspectors made an unannounced visit to Alfred Brown’s practice, SPT Dental, after receiving a complaint from a patient.

The office is located at 2682 Lamar Avenue.

There are allegations in the report that Dr. Brown failed to change gloves between patients and reused dental crowns that had previously been in someone else’s mouth.

They also said he sometimes appeared to be under the influence during their visits.

Inspectors said they did see in one room, the sharps container was overflowing with dirty needles and in another there was bloody gauze on the floor.

The suction device that goes into a patient’s mouth was reportedly found lying on the dirty floor.

WREG discovered several unfavorable reviews of the practice online as well.

One woman wrote she had been having issues with her gold teeth since she got them.

She claimed they came out in a week.

We also talked to another patient who said she walked into SPT Dental when she had a tooth ache and her regular dentist was closed.

“I was hesitant about it from the way the place looked. It didn’t look sanitary when I walked in,” said Lamonica Rogers.

She said the 72-year-old dentist dropped a medical instrument on the floor and then tried to put it back in her mouth.

This isn’t the first time Brown has been in trouble with the State Board.

In 1990, his license was summarily suspended after it was revealed he had over prescribed controlled substances to at least 20 patients, some of whom he knew were abusing drugs.

His license was revoked again in 1992 and he was suspended for 30 days in 1996 for incorrectly reporting services rendered.

Brown has been licensed to practice dentistry since January 1973.

In the most current case, the board said based on the preliminary information they are suspending Brown’s license effective immediately.

WREG tried to contact Dr. Brown for comment but were unable to reach him.