Dentist on Probation After Death of Patient

A dentist who practices in Enfield and Torrington has been placed on probation after a patient died in his care.

The State Dental Commission voted Wednesday to place Dr. Rashmi Patel on five years of monitored probation. The move to revoke his license altogether was denied.

Patel is accused of providing inadequate care to a patient who died and will never again be allowed to consciously sedate a patient or work on a patient who has been sedated.

The dentist has denied wrongdoing in the death of 64-year-old Judith Gan of Ellington in February, when she was under conscious sedation while having 20 teeth extracted at his Enfield office.

The Dental Commission found that Patel failed to respond appropriately when Gan's oxygen levels dropped.

The memoranda of decision stated that Patel deviated from the professional standards of care when he continued to perform teeth extractions, bone grafting and implant surgery on Gan, despite signs she was losing oxygen.

The commission also said Patel did not properly care for another patient who suffered serious internal injuries after swallowing a throat pack during a procedure last December.

An attorney for the Gan family said the family supports the commission’s decision and is awaiting full autopsy results before deciding whether or not to pursue a civil suit.

The Massachusetts medical examiner’s full autopsy on the cause of death is expected to be released in the coming weeks.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us