There has finally been a verdict on the general anesthetic related death almost two years ago under the care of Barry Friedberg, MD at the dental office of Dr. Teich of Smile Implant Center, Newport Beach.

The Verdict places 50% negligence on each of the above defendants. A search of Dental Board records reveals that Dr. Friedberg's permit to administer general anesthesia in the dental office was cancelled over ten years ago.

Using an anesthesia provider without a valid anesthesia permit for the type of anesthesia delivered puts the operating dentist at risk of losing their dental license under Business and Professions Code 1646.7.  (a). 

The anesthesia permit process was developed to insure that the anesthesiologist has the equipment, supplies and knowledge to treat medical emergencies in the dental office setting.

The OCDS Board voted to change their advertising guiedelines after an unethical advertisement slipped through and was printed in the Impressions for several months.  I called the society to ask if ethical guidelines had changed dramatically since joining 25 years ago and If I could place that very same ad.  The answer was a resounding NO.

The unethical advertisement in question is HERE.  In fact that same advertisement if placed by a dentist appears to also be illegal under B&P 1648.  The board further voted unanimously to revise and update their advertising policy to prevent similar instances in the future.  The new policy can be found HERE.

 

 

It is imperative that the anesthesiologist has a comprehensive knowledge of the surgery being performed, whether in the hospital or  dental office.  Only dentist  anesthesiologists have this unique advantage when treating dental patients.  Their safety record and declining TDIC premiums proves it.  READ MORE

 

An inhalable local anesthetic could render injections obsolete or so says researchers who published in Molecular Pharmaceutics.

 

 

Magnetic Jet Injection Device Can "Shoot" Any Drug Through the Skin, No Needle Required. The end of needles?  READ MORE

Although used in medicine and not available in dental cartridges, the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine reports:   "Ropivacaine, in concentrations of 0.50% or higher, has been shown to be an effective alternative to bupivacaine with epinephrine for mandibular nerve blocks in patients. Its advantages are lower cardiovascular toxicity and no need for epinephrine to achieve prolonged duration."  READ MORE

A patient was seriously injured and a California dentist will have his license and/or sedation permit suspended or revoked for this incomprehensible action.

READ MORE

 

 

Want to learn more about local anesthesia, oral sedation, IV sedation or general anesthesia services? READ MORE

 

Sincerely,

 
Ronald O. Davies, DDS