Hawaii dentists are now required to have advanced training in sedation and experience in handling emergencies following the death of a young girl who went into cardiac arrest after oral sedation during an extensive dental procedure.
Starting January 27, dentists must have 60 hours of training in moderate sedation, perform 20 supervised cases giving moderate sedation, have clinical experience in managing a compromised airway, and provide current documentation in advanced life support, according to a hawaiinewsnow.com story.
The new rules come in the aftermath of the death of 3-year-old Finley Boyle, who went into cardiac arrest after oral sedation by Oahu dentist Lilly Geyer, DMD, on December 3.
The girl suffered brain damage after being sedated with Demerol, hydroxyzine, chloral hydrate, and nitrous oxide by a technician, according to attorney Rick Fried. She died January 3.
Her parents have filed a wrongful death lawsuit alleging negligence and dangerous conduct against Dr. Geyer, Island Dentistry for Children, and unidentified staff members, claiming the child was not monitored during the procedure.
Dr. Geyer has closed her practice, and her attorney has declined to comment on the case.
Ashley Boyle, Finley's mother, said that after an initial dental visit with Dr. Geyer, her daughter was diagnosed with 10 cavities and needed four baby root canals. A exam by another dentist while the girl was comatose in the hospital showed she had just a few cavities, Fried said.
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