Health Alert Issued for Mortdale Dental Patients
NSW Health has issued a health alert for current and former patients of a sole dental practitioner in Mortdale, following concerns about infection control at a local dental surgery. The notice centers on potential exposure to blood-borne viruses due to inadequate cleaning and sterilisation of dental equipment.
The practitioner, identified as Safuan Hasic, also known as Steven Hasic, operated from 70 Victoria Avenue in Mortdale. NSW Health and the Dental Council of NSW have taken regulatory action, with the practitioner’s registration suspended and a closure order placed on the dental surgery. The Chief Health Officer has urged people not to seek dental treatment at that site while the closure remains in effect or during the suspension.
What Patients Should Do Now
Dr. Vicky Sheppeard, Director of the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District’s Public Health Unit, emphasized that while the overall risk to patients is low, blood-borne viruses can have serious health consequences if not detected and treated early.
Any current or former patients are advised to contact their GP and request testing for blood-borne viruses as a precaution. “People infected with hepatitis B, hepatitis C or HIV may not show symptoms for many years, so testing is critical to rule out silent infection,” Dr. Sheppeard said. NSW Health notes that there are effective treatments for these conditions when detected early.
Which Tests Might Be Recommended?
Testing commonly includes blood tests for hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis C antibodies, and HIV. The exact tests and frequency depend on individual risk factors and prior test results, so patients should follow their GP’s guidance. NSW Health has already identified a small number of patients treated at the practice and is actively contacting them with tailored health advice.
Why the Risk Was Considered Low but Not Zero
The risk assessment reflects the fact that the breach involved cleaning and sterilisation protocols, rather than a confirmed exposure event with a contaminated instrument. Even so, any lapse in sterilisation can potentially expose patients to blood-borne viruses. The health authorities stress that the potential risk is not negligible and warrants precautionary testing for anyone who had procedures at the Mortdale practice.
Regulatory and Safeguard Actions
The Dental Council of NSW has suspended Mr Hasic’s registration as a dental practitioner, and NSW Health has issued a closure order for the practice. The Chief Health Officer has made clear that people should avoid proceeding with dental care at the Mortdale site until the closure is lifted and the practitioner has resolved the regulatory concerns.
NSW Health is reviewing records to identify any additional patients who may have been affected and will provide updates as more information becomes available. The health system is also encouraging patients who were treated by Mr Hasic to discuss any concerns with their GP and to consider testing even if prior results were negative.
Public Health Message
Public health officials reiterate that blood-borne viruses can be present without obvious symptoms for long periods. Early detection improves treatment outcomes for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV. The main takeaway for the public is to contact a GP for testing if they had dental procedures at the Mortdale practice, particularly during the period when the clinic was operational under Mr Hasic.
Practical Steps for Affected Individuals
- Contact your GP to arrange testing for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV.
- Inform your clinician about any procedures you had at the Mortdale practice.
- Follow up on any test results and seek further medical advice as advised by your health professional.
- Monitor for any unusual symptoms and report them promptly to a healthcare provider.
NSW Health will continue to update the public as additional information becomes available. The agency urges patients who are unsure whether they were treated at the practice to seek medical advice if they have concerns about possible exposure.
