Safuan Hasic, a Sydney-based dentist, is famous for his charity work with members of the Bosnian and Croatian communities. Now, because he allegedly exposed his partner to HIV, he is being investigated and charged. The Dental Council of New South Wales (NSW) has suspended his registration pending investigation. In the meantime, the 1982 graduate of Sydney University’s dental school has shuttered his practice at 70 Victoria Avenue, Mortdale.
These worries came to light after a patient complaint filed more than three years ago triggered an investigation into Hasic’s practices. It found numerous standards that he routinely violated, including infection control standards. NSW Health now estimates the number of potentially exposed patients may be in the several thousands. Alarmingly, even more of Hasic’s patients are still unaccounted for, lost in records-keeping practices that depended on paper cards.
Investigation and Suspension
After the investigation, the Dental Council of NSW acted without delay. After discovering Hasic’s misconduct, the state suspended his registration and shut down his clinic to ensure he wouldn’t continue to harm patients. Dr. Vicky Sheppeard, a spokesperson for NSW Health, assured the public that no patients had contracted blood-borne viruses as a result of Hasic’s care. She was quick to highlight that things are no less dire.
Dr. Sheppeard called attention to the fact that symptoms associated with these viruses can manifest years later. He stressed the need to track down everyone who stepped foot in Hasic’s practice. She characterized the overall risk to patients as “low,” but emphasized the importance of moving responsibly, carefully and with vigilance.
In light of these events, we are calling on every patient treated by Hasic to be tested for blood-borne viruses. This means routine testing for HIV. The extensive response from the local health authority is a clear signal of the seriousness of the situation and the health authority’s commitment to protecting patients.
Patient Outreach Efforts
The dilemma faced by health officials is only made more difficult by Hasic’s shoddy record-keeping practices. Today, a substantial portion of his patient population still is untraceable. This loss of connection may greatly impede in-person outreach work to educate and test people at risk. This is making public health advocates worry about the larger picture.
Officials in NSW are working day and night to trace impacted people and arrange testing. They are coordinating with local health services to ensure that those who may have been exposed can access timely health assessments and support.
Safuan Hasic, also known as Steven Hasic, admitted during the investigation that he had not completed all required training before returning to treat patients. This concession has exacerbated fears about his fitness to practice and respect for otherwise well-known health practices.
Community Impact
Beyond Scouts, Hasic is deeply committed to organizing regular charitable efforts for the Bosnian/Croatian communities. Without question, his efforts have further developed an ingrained sense of trust with his patients. This unfortunate reality looms over his contributions and draws attention to the hazardous lack of community practice that placed so many patients in danger.
The fallout from this poisoning may place greater public scrutiny on dental practices across the country. The report is a high-profile reminder of the severe consequences that can result from failure to meet infection control standards to protect the public’s health.
