Urgent health advisory issued for Mortdale dental patients
NSW Health has issued a health alert for current and former patients of a Mortdale dental practice operated by a sole practitioner, following concerns about infection control breaches at the clinic. The Bay Street or Victoria Avenue address listed by the practitioner is the focus of the warning as authorities investigate potential exposure to blood-borne viruses.
The practitioner, identified as Safuan Hasic, also known as Steven Hasic, has faced regulatory action. The Dental Council of NSW has suspended his registration, and NSW Health has issued a closure order for the dental surgery at Mortdale. In light of these steps, the Chief Health Officer is instructing the public not to obtain dental treatment from Mr Hasic while the closure order remains in effect or during suspension.
What this means for patients
Direct exposure to blood-borne viruses can occur when proper cleaning and sterilisation practices are not followed. NSW Health has stated that the risk to patients is low but real enough to warrant precautionary testing for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. The health authority is actively identifying a small number of known patients treated at the practice and is providing them with health advice and testing recommendations. Unfortunately, many patients who attended the clinic are unknown to NSW Health and cannot be contacted directly.
Public Health officials emphasize that the absence of symptoms does not rule out infection. Blood-borne viruses can remain undetected for years, which is why testing is advised even if there were no noticeable health changes since the last visit. Early detection increases treatment options and outcomes for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV.
Guidance for patients
Dr. Vicky Sheppeard, Director of the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District Public Health Unit, underscored the importance of precautionary testing. “Any current or former patients of Mr Hasic should see their GP as shortly as possible and ask to be tested for blood-borne viruses as a precautionary measure,” she said. “People infected with blood-borne viruses may not show symptoms for many years, so it is important to be tested to see if there is a silent infection. There are effective treatments for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV.”
For patients who had testing after their last visit, health officials urge them to check with their GP to determine whether additional testing is necessary, even if prior results were negative.
What patients should do now
If you were treated by Mr Hasic and have not yet been contacted by NSW Health, consider proactively scheduling an appointment with your GP to discuss testing for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. Bring any available medical records or last visit dates, which can help your clinician assess whether repeat testing is warranted. If any new symptoms develop, seek medical advice promptly.
Public health authorities will continue outreach to identified patients and may expand contact based on new information. In the meantime, it is important to avoid dental treatment at the affected practice until the closure order is lifted and the suspension is resolved.
Context and reassurance
Infection control breaches in dental settings can carry low but non-zero risks for patients. The suspension of the practitioner’s registration and the closure order reflect a precautionary approach while investigations proceed. Health authorities have stressed that the goal is early detection and effective management of any potential infections, not to stigmatize patients or clinicians.
What data shows about risk
While the reported risk is assessed as low, blood-borne viruses such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV remain serious conditions. Vaccinations for hepatitis B are available, and many patients may benefit from confirmatory testing and follow-up care if needed.
Public health follow-up
NSW Health will provide updates as more information becomes available and as patient tracing continues. Those with questions can contact their GP or local public health unit for guidance. Citizens are reminded that health systems are vigilant about infection control and patient safety, and actions like suspending a practitioner and closing a clinic are part of standard risk-management procedures.
