A California couple is seeking legislative change to the procedures surrounding dental anesthesia and surgery. According to the Sacramento Bee, the family lost their son following a oral surgery that involved the cutting into the bone on the roof of the child's mouth. The child was administered anesthesia prior to the procedure. The family believes that their son died as the result of the anesthesia.
Under California law, oral surgeons are the only medical professionals that are allowed to both perform surgery and administer anesthesia. The family asserts that as a result, the administration of anesthesia is more dangerous than in other settings. The parents are seeking a change to the law that would inform parents of this risk. They are also seeking a change in the law to require two providers during oral surgery — one to perform and monitor anesthesia and another to operate.
However the dentists and oral surgeons have opposed the bill, asserting that requiring two separate physicians would make it more difficult for poor people to get care.
As California medical malpractice lawyers, we are committed to patient safety and will be following this bill closely. For more information or if you believe that your child has been harmed as the result of dental or medical malpractice, please contact our California personal injury attorneys right away for an immediate consultation.
