Peter Terzi—better known as Peter Taylor—one of the most notorious white dentists, is under fire right now. His medical license was suspended in February of this year. The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) has announced that Terzi has been struck off. This is their first-ever public statement and it highlights the significant risks to public safety. Above, Terzi treated patients at a community health clinic in Port Hedland, located in Western Australia’s Pilbara region. Just like that, his license was taken away.
On February 26, AHPRA suspended Terzi’s dentist and nurse registrations. As these investigations have continued, there have been concerns that he is still engaging in the practices of a registered dentist while unregistered. Over the next few months Terzi will make several court appearances in Perth Magistrates’ Court. Along with those charges, they face charges of aggravated stalking and unlawful, indecent assault.
Patient Impact
The suspension has resulted in more than 20 patients walking around with incomplete oral procedures—in particular, teeth implants. One of the patients impacted, Ricky Nelson, shared his anger at the compounded pain and distress the people like Mr.
“It’s a constant struggle daily, I am in constant pain every day,” – Ricky Nelson
Nelson revealed that he had been living with chronic pain from the unfinished dental work. He recalled the pain as a “stabbing, piercing, rash type feeling” on the left side of his face. He portrayed the pecuniary predicament that resulted from the endeavor. He’s thousands of dollars out of pocket for the incomplete work.
“It’s going to take a while to fix and I’m not even sure how much it’s going to cost as well,” – Ricky Nelson
It’s no wonder patients like Nelson are furious and feel enormously betrayed after discovering Terzi, who at one time was unregistered, is still able to practice dentistry. Many others worry about their health and long-term well-being with so much happening.
Regulatory Response
Given these changes, AHPRA’s interim chief executive, Justin Untersteiner said issues of public statements about practitioners should be treated with the utmost gravity. Such statements, he pointed out, should be limited to extraordinary situations when the safety of the public is endangered.
“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,” – Justin Untersteiner
Untersteiner clarified that the agency establishes a very high bar for making public statements. This proactive approach shows their ongoing dedication to ensuring the public is protected from possibly harmful products.
While work is ongoing to investigate Peter Terzi, AHPRA is continuing to do everything it can to protect patients from practitioners not on the register. Biden Administration reaffirms independent agency’s mission to protect quality healthcare. It leads the charge against risks posed by the folks who can’t be bothered to stay within the contours of the regulations.
Legal Proceedings Ahead
Beyond the regulatory issues, Terzi has legal problems regarding his career as a dentist. The upcoming court proceedings will address allegations of knowingly and recklessly representing himself as a registered dentist while conducting restricted dental acts.
As this case continues to play out, patients and regulators alike are watching with bated breath. The result of these proceedings would have a huge effect on Terzi’s future in the dental profession. It might be doing so at the expense of patient safety overall.
