Practitioners regulatory body takes unprecedented step to warn consumers about suspended Perth dentist

Australia’s medical watchdog has taken the unprecedented step to name a suspended Perth dentist, who they believe is continuing to work while unregistered. The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency have warned consumers about Peter Terzi, also known as Peter Taylor, who has been suspended from practising in both dentistry and nursing since February 26 this year. The Kalamunda dentist has been charged with two counts of knowingly and recklessly claiming to be a registered dentist and one count of carrying out a restricted dental act. Mr Terzi remains under investigation for these criminal charges with AHPRA warning he may be continuing to present himself as a registered dentist or nurse while he is suspended and unregistered. The charges are still before the courts, which Mr Terzi has entered pleas of not guilty to. It’s the first ever public statement AHPRA has made under legislation that allows the regulatory body to name a practitioner if it protects public health and safety. AHPRA chief executive Justin Untersteiner said the power to issue a warning to the general public came into force two years ago but Monday’s 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. “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.” Mr Terzi received his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Western Australian in 2018 and his Bachelor of Nursing from Monash University in 2010. He received a WA Dental Foundation hardship grant while studying at UWA. “Growing up in foster care, without the financial support of family, becoming a dentist was never going to be an easy journey for Dr Peter Terzi,” an Australian Dental Association of WA piece said about him. “Fortunately, with a little help along the way, he overcame the odds to become a great dentist who gives back.” AHPRA said Mr Terzi was provided with all the information pertaining to the decision to make a public statement and was provided with an opportunity to make submissions as required by the law. 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 26 February, is urged to contact AHPRA’s Criminal Offences Unit on 07 3149 4771 or by email to criminal.offences@ahpra.gov.au