Alleged rogue Melbourne dentist charged

An unregistered dentist might have infected patients with hepatitis and HIV while allegedly running an illegal clinic in a Melbourne garage, health experts warn.

Muhammet Velipasaoglu has been charged over allegedly treating patients out of a home in Rocklands Rise, Meadow Heights from as long ago as 2003.

Poor record keeping means investigators have no idea who, or how many patients, he might have treated but the Victorian health department fears it could be "many hundreds".

Failings in his infection control mean there's a low but real risk some patients could have been infected with blood-borne diseases, and should be tested, acting Chief Health Officer Finn Romanes says.

"The quality of dental care that may have been provided may also be very poor," he said.

The Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Authority launched an investigation into Velipasaoglu in May after a tipoff from another practitioner who saw patients for follow-up care.

Velipasaoglu is believed to have trained and worked as a dentist in Turkey before moving to Australia, but has never trained or been registered in Australia.

It's not clear whether Velipasaoglu knew he was required to undergo further training to work in Australia, or if patients knew he was unregistered.

Health Minister Jill Hennessy said rogues in the health system were dangerous and the regulator relied on complaints to catch them out.

She urged patients visiting practices where the set-up seemed unusual to check out the operators with AHPRA.

"Ultimately it's a matter of concern that this person may have been illegally practising on patients since 2003," she said.

Velipasaoglu will face a Magistrate's Court on four charges, including purporting to be a dentist, carrying out restricted dental procedures and possessing restricted drugs.

The charges carry fines up to $30,000.

A hotline has been set up by the health department to provide advice to patients.

People who believe they have been treated by Velipasaoglu should call 1800 356 031.