Health watchdog warns public warned about suspended dentist Peter Terzi

The public have been warned about a suspended practitioner who authorities say may still be operating as a dentist or nurse.

The public have been warned about a dentist who was suspended by the health watchdog but may still be operating on patients.

Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) released its first public statement under new laws to warn consumers about Peter Terzi, also known as Peter Taylor, who held a dual dentist and nurse registration.

Mr Terzi is under investigation and was suspended from practising both professions in February this year.

AHPRA allege the suspended Western Australian practitioner poses a serious risk to people because of his conduct.

AHPRA issued its first public statement under new laws to warn consumers about a man who may be operating as a dentist or nurse while he is suspended from practising. Photo: iStock

“He remains under investigation and AHPRA believes he may be continuing to present himself as a registered dentist or nurse while he is suspended and unregistered,” the statement read.

Mr Terzi is facing criminal charges for recklessly holding himself as a registered dentist and carrying out a restricted dental act and is before the court.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges.

AHPRA chief executive officer Justin Untersteiner said the power to issue a warning to the general public came into force two years ago, but Monday’s public statement is the first time these powers have been used.

“We take the matter of issuing public statements very seriously and will only ever issue such statements in exceptional circumstances where the public needs to be informed from a safety perspective,’ he said.

Perth dentist Peter Terzi is facing criminal charges for recklessly holding himself as a dentist and carrying out restricted dental work.

“The threshold for issuing a public statement is set at a high level. The decision to issue a public statement may only be made when AHPRA or a National Board form a reasonable belief that a practitioner or person poses a serious risk to the public.

‘Issuing this statement today means we can warn the public while we continue to take steps to assess and investigate matters that could raise a serious risk to the public.’

Anyone who suspects they may have received treatment from or employed Peter Terzi/Taylor, or who has information that he has claimed to be a dentist or a nurse since February 26, is urged to contact AHPRA’s Criminal Offences Unit.

Originally published as Health watchdog warns public warned about suspended dentist Peter Terzi