California Dentist’s Past Under Scrutiny After Child’s Death

Documents reveal that a California dentist, Dr. Ryan Watkins, had been on probation due to another incident several years prior. This surfaced after the dentist treated a 9-year-old girl following routine dental work.

Watkins faced disciplinary actions in 2020 connected to a 2016 case where a 54-year-old man’s heart stopped as a result of anesthesia administered during dental surgery. The complaint filed with the California Dental Board accused him of “non-professional conduct,” suggesting an overdose of treatment on the patient, referred to as “MK.”

This patient, a triathlete who had undergone three surgeries, was in good health before the incident. However, it was noted that he had a history of fainting and a dental phobia.

During the procedure, the man’s heart halted, and Watkins performed CPR until emergency services arrived. Hospital records indicated complications during resuscitation efforts, reporting that one of his ribs was fractured in the process. Following the incident, it was diagnosed that he suffered from mild neurocognitive impairment linked to cardiac arrest.

Records also noted that the use of ephedrine likely caused an increased heart rate for the patient, leading ultimately to cardiac arrest.

As a result, Watkins received a 35-month probation period from the California Dental Board, which permitted him to work under specific supervision and conditions. He was also required to pay over $19,000 for the investigation costs.

In a separate tragic event, 9-year-old Silvanna Moreno died after her procedure at Dreamtime Dentistry in Vista, California, on March 18th, per an autopsy report from the San Diego County Medical Examiner.

Reports indicate that the girl had a resting heart rate and a prior history of dental anxiety and fainting episodes. During her surgery, her heart stopped, and Watkins initiated CPR until EMS arrived.

The dental team’s observations noted that the CPR process led to severe injuries, including broken ribs. Medical evaluations later indicated that the cause of death was related to a condition exacerbated by the setting in which nitrous oxide was administered.

Watkins responded to these incidents, asserting that emergency protocols were swiftly enacted and that all treatments complied with medical guidelines. He affirmed a thorough internal review of the situation and emphasized a commitment to patient safety, vowed to learn from this event, and implement stricter safety measures moving forward.

He expressed sorrow over Sylvanna’s death, acknowledging it as a tragic accident attributed to previously undiagnosed medical issues. Watkins maintains that all administered doses were appropriate but reiterated that complications arose from her specific health situation.

Authorities confirmed that the autopsy outlined the cause of classification as an accident. The ongoing impact of these tragic events remains, and Watkins expressed condolences to Moreno’s family during this difficult period.