Overview of the Warning for Mortdale Dental Patients
The NSW Health authorities have issued a formal warning to current and former patients of a Mortdale dental practitioner, Mr Safuan Hasic (also known as Steven Hasic), following identified infection control breaches at his clinic located at 70 Victoria Avenue, Mortdale. The Chief Health Officer emphasised that while the risk of exposure to blood-borne viruses is assessed as low, the issue remains serious enough to require immediate precautionary action by patients.
NSW Health has suspended Mr Hasic’s registration as a dental practitioner and the Dental Council of NSW has issued a closure order for the practice. Patients are advised not to seek dental treatment at the site while the closure order is in effect or during the suspension period.
What this Means for Patients
Dental work performed at the practice may have involved inadequate cleaning and sterilisation of dental instruments. As a result, there is a potential, albeit small, risk of exposure to blood-borne viruses such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV.
Dr Vicky Sheppeard, Director of the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District’s Public Health Unit, stressed that blood-borne viruses can have serious health consequences. Importantly, many people with these infections do not show symptoms for years, making testing a prudent step for peace of mind and early treatment if needed.
Public Health authorities encourage any current or former patients to consult their GP and request testing for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV as a precautionary measure. Even if some past test results were negative, individuals should verify whether additional tests are advisable given the potential exposure window.
What Patients Should Do Next
Patients who have had dental treatment at the Mortdale clinic should:
- Contact their GP to discuss testing for blood-borne viruses.
- Check if any prior test results require retesting or follow-up tests.
- Monitor for any unusual symptoms and seek medical advice promptly if concerns arise.
NSW Health is coordinating with the Dental Council of NSW and the Health Care Complaints Commission for a broader investigation into the matter and to ensure patient safety going forward.
Where to Get More Information
For information about blood-borne viruses, patients can contact their local public health unit at 1300 066 055 or review NSW Health infectious disease fact sheets on hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. An information sheet for clients of Safuan Hasic is also available on the NSW Health website. For mental health support, the Mental Health Line (1800 011 511) operates 24/7, and language support is available via Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) at 131 450 for health-related queries.
Important Context
Authorities reiterate that while the identified risk is low, the public health response prioritises patient safety and prevention of any silent infections. The investigation will continue in collaboration with relevant health bodies to determine the full scope and any necessary follow-up actions.
