Girl, 9, dies after procedure at California dental office
VISTA, Calif. (KSWB/KUSI) – Authorities are looking into the death of a 9-year-old girl that happened hours after she underwent general anesthesia for a dental surgery at Dreamtime Dentistry in Vista, Calif. on March 18.
A statement from Dr. Ryan Watkins, a dentist anesthesiologist at Dreamtime Dentistry, says, in part, “The patient was referred to our office for dental treatment under general anesthesia due to her young age and acute situational anxiety. Throughout the procedure she was continuously monitored by our dentist anesthesiologist…”
The statement goes on to say: “Following the procedure she was discharged in stable condition – awake, with stable vital signs...”
A report from the San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office claims the girl was discharged from the facility and remained asleep on the ride home.
Once at home, she was placed in her bed where she remained asleep, KSWB/KUSI reports. Family checked on her throughout the day and later found her unresponsive.
The girl was pronounced dead upon arrival at Rady Children’s Hospital.
A representative for Dr. Watkins said, “The medical examiner’s report leaves out the fact that following the procedure, and after time in recovery, the patient was discharged in stable condition. She was awake with stable vital signs…”
The statement adds that, at this time, the cause of death has not been determined. The medical examiner is conducting a thorough investigation, with which they are fully cooperating.
This is not the first incident at Dreamtime Dentistry to make headlines.
Back in 2016, a patient under the care of Watkins nearly died after a cardiac incident during a dental procedure under anesthesia.
Nexstar's KSWB/KUSI reached out to the medical examiner’s office and San Diego police, who are conducting the investigation, but had not received a response as of publishing time.
A GoFundMe has been set up to cover the funeral costs, raising more than $15,000 as of Monday.