A Florida dentist may lose her license after a patient receiving a dental cleaning died in her care, NBC affiliate WFLA reports.
Tommy Myers, 39, had special needs and was sedated during dental visits, his parents told WFLA. In 2014, Mr. Myers' heart stopped beating after Veronica Thompson, DDS, administered too much anesthesia, too fast, according to the state.
The dentist made many mistakes that day, the Florida Department of Health found. The Board of Dentistry repeatedly voted to revoke Dr. Thompson's license, but the Department of Health preferred settling the case with fines and further education for the dentist. Now that the Board of Dentistry has rejected multiple settlement agreements, the health department may pursue license revocation, a department spokesperson told WFLA.
A trial regarding Dr. Thompson's license is ongoing. According to her lawyers, she is also under criminal investigation related to the incident.