Overview of the NSW Health Advisory
The NSW Chief Health Officer has issued an infection control alert following breaches identified at a Mortdale dental practice operated by Mr Safuan Hasic (also known as Steven Hasic). The Dental Council of NSW has suspended Mr Hasic’s registration, and NSW Health has issued a closure order for the 70 Victoria Avenue practice. The public health response focuses on patient safety, testing, and clear guidance for current and former patients.
What this means for patients
Given the concerns about cleaning and sterilisation practices, there is a potential, though described as low, risk of exposure to blood borne viruses such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. NSW Health emphasises that infection control lapses in dental settings can create opportunities for transmission when dental instruments are not properly sterilised.
Health authorities stress that many patients may be unknown to public health services. NSW Health is actively contacting identified patients and advising them on testing and next steps, but a significant number of patients may not have a direct line of contact. This makes proactive testing and consultation with a GP especially important for anyone who received dental treatment at the Mortdale practice.
Important steps for patients
1) Do not seek care at the Mortdale practice while the closure order remains in effect or while Mr Hasic remains suspended. 2) If you underwent dental work at the clinic, see your GP promptly and request tests for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV as a precaution. 3) If you have had testing in the past after your visit, check with your GP whether repeat tests are needed, even if previous results were negative. 4) Monitor for symptoms, and report anything unusual to a health professional; remember that some infections can be asymptomatic for years.
Why testing matters
Blood borne viruses may not show symptoms for long periods. Early detection allows for timely medical management and reduces the risk of unknowingly transmitting infections to others. In particular, hepatitis B is vaccine-preventable, and effective treatments exist for hepatitis C and HIV, underscoring the value of early intervention.
What NSW Health is doing
NSW Health is working with the Dental Council of NSW and the Health Care Complaints Commission to investigate the matter fully. The department has provided information sheets to patients and remains available to answer questions through public health units. People seeking information can contact 1300 066 055 or visit the NSW Health infectious diseases fact sheets for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV.
Where to get help
For general health guidance, Healthdirect provides round-the-clock advice at 1800 022 222. Individuals needing mental health support can contact the Mental Health Line at 1800 011 511, while culturally and linguistically diverse communities can access the Transcultural Mental Health Line at 1800 648 911. Translating and Interpreting Service assistance is available at 131 450 for language support in health inquiries.
Looking ahead
The situation highlights the critical importance of stringent infection control in dental practices and the role of regulatory bodies in safeguarding patient safety. As the investigation progresses, NSW Health will continue to communicate findings and resources to affected patients and the broader community.
Key contact information
NSW Health Infectious Diseases fact sheets on hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV are available online. Information sheets for clients of Safuan Hasic can be found on the NSW Health website under the patient information for 70 Victoria Avenue, Mortdale.
