Suspended Dentist Faces Public Alert Over Ongoing Dental Practice
The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) has taken the unusual step of issuing a rare public warning about Peter Terzi, a Western Australian dentist suspended earlier this year who is believed to still be operating illegally.
Who Is Peter Terzi?
Peter Terzi, also known under the alias Peter Taylor, previously held dual registration as both a dentist and a nurse. However, his professional registrations were suspended on February 26, 2025, amid investigations into his conduct.
Serious Risks Driving AHPRA’s Alert
AHPRA’s statement expressed serious concerns that Terzi may be continuing to present himself as a registered dental or nursing professional despite his suspension. This conduct, deemed a significant risk to public safety, prompted the agency to leverage its newly granted powers to warn consumers directly.
These powers were introduced two years ago but this marks the first public warning issued under the new legislation, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
Legal Charges and Court Proceedings
Terzi is currently facing criminal charges in Western Australia including:
- Two counts of knowingly or recklessly misrepresenting himself as a registered health practitioner
- One count of performing a restricted dental act without authorization
He has pleaded not guilty to these charges. The case is set to return to the Perth Magistrates Court for a trial date to be determined.
AHPRA’s Commitment to Public Safety
Justin Untersteiner, AHPRA’s chief executive, emphasized that the threshold for issuing such public statements is intentionally set very high. He noted, “We reserve these warnings for situations where there is a serious risk to the public and transparency is essential to protect community safety.”
The agency urges anyone who suspects they have received treatment from Terzi since his suspension to come forward and contact its Criminal Offences Unit immediately.
How To Protect Yourself
If you or someone you know has undergone dental or nursing care provided by Peter Terzi or Peter Taylor since late February, it's important to verify the legitimacy of that care with AHPRA. Protecting your health starts with ensuring your practitioner is properly registered and authorized to provide services.
Looking Ahead
This case highlights the crucial role of regulatory bodies in upholding professional standards and protecting patients. AHPRA continues to investigate the matter thoroughly while keeping the public informed, marking a proactive stance against any threats to healthcare safety.
