A dentist in Iowa has had his moderate sedation permit restricted after a patient died under his care.
According to documents from the Iowa Dental Board, Jonathan Karch, DDS, of Johnston, Iowa, participated in a dental implant surgery using sedation during which the patient became unresponsive.
The patient was transferred to emergency care and eventually passed away. An investigation found that Dr. Karch did not remain in the operatory for the duration of the procedure, which is required of anyone holding a sedation permit.
The procedure took place in January. The family of the patient has since filed a lawsuit against Dr. Karch and other individuals involved in the surgery, according to an Oct. 29 report from the Iowa Capital Dispatch.
The Iowa Dental Board deemed Dr. Karch "an imminent threat to public safety and should not be permitted to participate in procedures involving sedation until further Order of [the] Board." Dr. Karch's dental license is otherwise untouched by the board.