ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Board of Dentistry plans to consider changes to certain surgical procedures when dentists use conscious sedation, investigative reporter Daralene Jones learned.
9 Investigates first exposed the death of a Kissimmee teenager last year. Christopher Power, 17, was having teeth removed under what was supposed to be conscious sedation.
Jones has since learned about another death connected to sedation procedures and found out both dentists are still practicing.
The Florida Department of Health complaint against Dr. Veronica Thompson describes a quick death for 39-year-old Thomas Myers. Investigators ruled he was over-sedated, causing cardiac arrest during routine dental surgery. He died two days later, just like Power, whom 9 Investigates first reported stories on last year.
"They need to monitor the anesthesia, who's administering it, and having trained professionals in the room," Christopher Power’s mother, Alicia Power said.
The Florida Department of Health regulates the industry. A spokesperson for the Department of Health confirmed through an e-mail that the Board of Dentistry has opened rules up for development concerning conscious sedation. A spokesperson said there is a rules committee made up of members of the Board of Dentistry. The committee will work with board counsel to draft language. There will be opportunities for public comment on the proposed rule before a final version is voted on.
"With Christopher's death last year, that certainly has brought attention to this," Florida anesthesiologist Dr. Jay Epstein said.
In most states, including Florida, general dentists are allowed to sedate patients and perform surgical procedures as long as they obtain a permit that is earned sometimes through a few weekend courses.
The training is not even close to the three to six years required for oral surgeons or anesthesiologists.
"One person doing the procedure, while they are giving the anesthesia, we don't do that in an anesthesiologist office. Why the heck should we be doing it in a dental office?" Epstein questioned.
Stricter guidelines have been tough to implement, even in Texas and California where a combined 94 deaths have been reported since 2010. That is why Christopher Power's mother questions what it will really take to effect nationwide change.
It's unclear how many deaths are connected to sedation in Florida. 9 Investigates has requested records from the Department of Health and we are still awaiting a response.
Cox Media Group
