A dentist in Ohio is retiring after one of his patients became unresponsive while under sedation for tooth extractions and died a few days later, according to multiple news stories published on June 12.
Dr. Scott Schumann, the owner of Grove City Dental in Grove City, OH, has chosen to retire because the death of patient Michael Beesler, 61, had taken a mental and emotional toll on him. Online state licensing records show that Schumann surrendered his dental license and moderate sedation permit.
In April, the county coroner ruled that Beesler died of natural causes. Beesler became unresponsive during a dental procedure and died of an anoxic brain injury. His injury was due to sudden, prolonged cardiac arrest and complications of hypertensive cardiovascular disease. Additionally, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation was listed as a "significant condition" for Beesler, according to the coroner.
No charges have been filed against Schumann, but the Ohio State Dental Board and police were continuing to investigate whether Schumann, the dentist who oversaw Beesler's sedation and the procedure, played any role in the patient's death.
In February 2025, police and emergency medical professionals were dispatched to the dental practice because Beesler -- who underwent sedation for extractions, a root canal, deep cleanings, and dentures -- became unresponsive.
Police interviewed Schumann and three dental assistants. One witness told police that the patient was reportedly given ibuprofen and acetaminophen before he was administered nitrous oxide. Then a hygienist allegedly gave Beesler four sedative pills and eight numbing agents.
When the police arrived, Schumann was giving CPR to Beesler, who was hooked to a defibrillator. Beesler was taken to a nearby hospital. He died three days later, according to stories.
