The scale of a devastating dental fraud in Perth has ballooned, with 156 patients now confirmed to be out of pocket following the death of disgraced dentist David Hurst. They form part of a grim tally of 223 unsecured creditors collectively owed close to $4.4 million, with little hope of recovering their funds.
Liquidator Seeks Funds for Deeper Probe into Company Collapse
The massive financial shortfall, stemming from missing pre-payments for dental implants and other major procedures, was uncovered after Dr Hurst's sudden death at Perth's Crown Casino in December 2024. It was later revealed he had been practising in Australia despite a prior fraud conviction in the UK.
New liquidator Jennifer Low is awaiting a decision from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) on funding for a comprehensive investigation. In a report last month, Ms Low stated her intent to examine Dr Hurst's conduct, company transactions, and the management of the Hurst Group Pty Ltd in the period between his death and the company entering administration in March 2025.
This period saw the company managed by Dr Hurst's widow, Clara Hurst. Ms Low also aims to review the actions of the previous liquidator, Bryan Hughes. Her preliminary findings point to "the director’s misuse of patient deposits" and "significant drawings, in excess of profits, from the company" as the likely causes of the collapse.
Lavish Lifestyle Funded by Patient Deposits
Earlier reports detailed how Dr Hurst funnelled more than $1.5 million from the company account into a mortgage offset account shortly after he and his wife purchased a $6.5 million mansion in Claremont. In the 18 months before his death, he also spent $209,000 of company money on international travel, and the business borrowed $223,320 to buy a Porsche Cayenne.
For many patients, the financial loss is compounded by severe physical and emotional suffering. Numerous individuals who received partial dental work allege it was defective and has caused ongoing pain.
Victims Left with Pain, Debt, and Shattered Confidence
Scott Newton, 42, from Esperance, claims he was the last patient Dr Hurst worked on. He paid $65,000 for dental implants, money accessed through early superannuation release. "He stuffed up my whole mouth," Mr Newton said.
He has since spent an additional $42,500 with another dentist to repair and complete the work, a process still ongoing a year later. "I've still got (temporary) plastic teeth," he explained. "It has taken so long, because David Hurst didn't put the (implants) in the right places."
Mr Newton's life has been severely impacted, restricted to a soft-food diet for over a year and left with a persistent lisp that has eroded his confidence. Factoring in tax on his super withdrawal and travel costs from Esperance, he estimates his total loss at around $130,000.
Law firm Slater and Gordon is preparing a legal case on behalf of 48 former patients, with Medical Law Practice Leader Sarah Marshman noting the "ongoing pain, complications, and emotional distress" many endure. She highlighted the aggressive marketing and encouragement for patients to access their superannuation, draining tens of thousands from retirement savings.
Dr Hurst's deceased estate was declared bankrupt in August 2025. The trustee may pursue his former family home, now in his widow's name. The scandal has exposed systemic issues with the compassionate release of superannuation, revealing how it can be exploited by unscrupulous operators.
