A dentist in Florida has been restricted and fined after a patient died undergoing an implant replacement, according to an April 7 report from the Miami Herald.
Joel Berley, DMD, of Plantation (Fla.) Oral Surgery and Dental Implants was accused by the Florida Board of Dentistry in 2022 of not meeting the minimum standard of care by failing to stop surgery and stabilize the patient.
Dr. Berley administered general anesthesia to the patient for extraction and replacement of dental implants that were originally placed in 2016. After the surgery was completed, the patient went into distress and became nonresponsive.
The patient died three days following the procedure.
Per the terms of his settlement agreement with the dental board, Dr. Berley must employ a medical doctor anesthesiologist, an osteopathic physician anesthesiologist or a certified registered nurse anesthetist to provide anesthesia services for procedures requiring moderate or general sedation for at least three years.
In addition, Dr. Berley will pay the board $6,000 to cover the costs of the investigation and prosecution and a $10,000 administrative fine.
