The Raven Maria Blanco Foundation helps parents whose children have died during dental treatment

The Raven Maria Blanco Foundation (RMBF)was established after 8 year old Raven Blanco died during sedation dentistry. The foundation is committed to educating parents and professional of the risks that lead to these deaths as well as safety measures that can easily be taken to reduce such risks. The Raven Maria Blanco Foundation travels as funds will allow to dental conventions across the nation where they set up their booth to promote safety and educated the dental community. They are not always met with open arms.  Here is a public service announcement from 2010

Here are the names of 39 children who have died in recent years.
I met with Nicole, Raven’s cousin and Director of the RMBF, and Mario, Raven’s father, and have to say they are some of the loveliest people you will ever meet. They truly are committed to their cause. Sadly it has been falling on many a deaf ear, but that has not deterred them for one minute. They work tirelessly and are never to busy to help.  I am proud to know such wonderful and selfless people.
The RMBF provides much needed support for parents who have suffered the pain of death of their child. They assist in raising money to help pay for funeral expenses, including traveling to fundraisers when time allows. Other times it’s putting these parents in contact with each other to help each other for support.
The RMBF has a facebook page at http://facebook.com/rmbfinc

http://www.rmbfinc.org/
http://www.ravenblanco.com

RMBF, Inc.
PO BOX 65581
Virginia Beach, VA 23467
1-757-449-3565
Currently, they RMBF is seeking dontation to assist the family of Jermaine Lee Harrison, Jr who died during a dental procedure in Stockton, California on November 11, 2011.
You can make a donation by clicking here.
RMBF, INC. is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization.
.

FYI–There are more deaths than this and Dr. Milton Houpt is full of BS!

There is also an memo out there from the AAPD that was sent out to all members with a “script” on what to say…  I think it’s here on this blog someplace, look around.

 

Yahoo News

The parents of 17-year-old Jenny Olenick of Woodstock, Md., are the latest to sue a dentist for negligence in connection with a pediatric dental surgery death. Olenick died in April, according to ABC News, after suffering oxygen deprivation in the dental chair. The lawsuit charges the dentist and anesthesiologist with failure to resuscitate Olenick.

Prevalence of Dental Surgery Deaths

The pediatric dentistry chairman at New Jersey Dental School, Milton Houpt, told Tampa Bay Online last year that there are no national statistics on deaths in the dentist's chair. He says such deaths are rare, though, based on anecdotal evidence.

Media Reports of Pediatric Dental Deaths

These are some other recent deaths associated with pediatric dental procedures reported in the media:

* Tampa Bay Online said Corey Moore died at age 9 from a dental procedure performed in Tampa, Fla., in 2009.

* 5-year-old Dylan Stewart of Cedar Key, Fla., died in 2010, Tampa Bay Online said.

* ABC News reported that Ben Ellis, 14, died Dec. 8, the day after he had a wisdom tooth removed in Gilmer County, Ga.; he was found dead in his bed.

* Thirteen-year-old Marissa Kingery of Elyria, Ohio, died in January after undergoing dental surgery, the Plain Dealer reported. She fell into a coma and died two weeks after the procedure.

* A 4-year-old Stockton, Cal., boy, Jermaine Lee Harrison died in November during dental surgery. Because of pre-existing heart problems, his surgery was performed at Oakland Hospital, the Contra Costa Times said.

* In May 2010, 6-year-old Jacobi Hill died at Virginia Commonwealth University's dental clinic in Richmond, Va., ABC News reported.

* Raven Blanco, age 8, died under conscious sedation in a Virginia Beach, Va., dental office in 2007, according to WVEC.

Who May Administer Anesthesia in the Dental Office?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that three staff be present when deep sedation occurs in a dental office. The anesthesia provider should be a licensed medical or dental practitioner with certification for providing anesthesia; he should monitor the patient's vital signs, airway patency, cardiovascular and neurological status and adequacy of ventilation.

When state law permits a registered nurse anesthetist or anesthesia assistant to provide anesthesia to dental patients, the dentist himself should be trained and licensed in the administration of anesthesia, according to AAPD guidelines. AAPD also says the operating dentist and clinical staff need to maintain current expertise in basic life support in case something goes wrong.

Deaths can also occur with local anesthesia. As of Oct. 2008, it was legal in 43 states for dental hygienists to administer local anesthesia, RDH Magazine reported, and 26 allow them to administer nitrous oxide.

Problems in Pediatric Dental Death Cases

Several problems have been identified in pediatric dental death cases. Dentists' offices may not have working defibrillators as in Raven Blanco's case. Dental personnel may not be trained in life support, despite AAPD guidelines. In Corey Moore's case, the decision to sedate him knowing he'd recently eaten may have contributed to his death. And underlying medical problems may be a factor as in Jermaine Lee Harrison's case.

KRCA reported in 2006 on one pediatric dental death in Sacramento the previous summer that was ruled a homicide. In that case, the dentist reportedly covered 3-year-old Rogelio Campos-Crespo's nose and mouth to calm him and left a 4-inch by 4-inch gauze pad in his mouth, smothering and gagging him.

Jenny Olenick’s parents file suit over her death during dental surgery.

By Kevin Rector, krector@tribune.com

December 13, 2011 | 6:16 p.m.

The parents of a Woodstock teen who died 10 days after losing oxygen during a routine wisdom tooth surgery March 28 in Columbia are suing the anesthesiologist and the oral surgeon involved for medical malpractice, according to court records filed Nov. 30.

The civil suit, which also names three dental practices associated with the doctors, is the latest development in an unusual medical case that shocked the Marriotts Ridge High School community, where Jennifer "Jenny" Michelle Olenick was a smiley, 17-year-old junior involved in choir.

The suit claims that Dr. Krista Michelle Isaacs, the anesthesiologist, and Dr. Domenick Coletti, the oral surgeon, were negligent in their care of Olenick and failed to resuscitate her after her heart rate slowed to a "panic level" of 40 beats per minute and her body began losing oxygen.

The suit claims those failures led to Olenick not having a pulse when emergency responders arrived at Coletti's Columbia office, and that they directly allowed for the "massive and irreversible brain injury" that resulted in her death April 6.

Ben Ellis, 14, dies just hours after having wisdom teeth removed | Mail Online

 

A 14-year-old boy was found dead in his bed the day after having his wisdom teeth removed, Wednesday December 8, 2011.

Ben Ellis, from Gilmer County, Georgia, had the dental surgery on Wednesday morning. Less than 24 hours later he was dead.

Law enforcement is investigating the boy's mysterious death and will perform an autopsy and toxicology tests, but there is said to be a history of seizures in the family, which Ben has suffered from before.

Ben’s family told the Sheriff's Office that he seemed fine on Wednesday after the surgery, according to wsbtv.com.

'He had dental surgery at approximately 10:30 on Wednesday morning. Through the rest of the day he seemed to be doing fine. He went to bed.

'Through the day he had taken one penicillin tablet and one Oxycodone, that we’re aware of. They (his parents) checked on him around 1am, and again, he was doing fine.

'Then at 6am, when they went to get him up, they found him deceased,' Lt Frank Coleman said.

Ben Ellis, 14, dies just hours after having wisdom teeth removed | Mail Online

Dental Dreams to Healthy Smiles ?

 

Not sure about the rest of the country but in Louisiana the people who own that nasty little dental mill referred to as Dental Dreams, go under the name Health Smiles, LLC as of July 2011.

There are lots of employment ads out there, all have Chryrisse Patterson, Director of Human Resourses name attached to them.  People are to email her at cipatterson@kosservices.com. 

Kos Services is owned by Khurram Hussain, Dr. Sameera Hussain’s other half.

 

A google search on these two will give you lots of nasty stuff, including the fact they had a teen die after treatment at one of their clinics earlier 2011.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So who is Dr. Paulina Demos-Arne who has registered Health Smiles in Louisiana, well she’s not the “owner” of Health Smiles, I bet.

Mobile: Jury deadlocked in trial of Lansing-area dentist | The Republic

Mobile: Jury deadlocked in trial of Lansing-area dentist | The Republic

Top Ten Nation: Top 10: Best Ways To Avoid Litigation In Dentistry

Here is what was suggested over at TopTenNation.com.  I say these are probably NOT the top ten!!!

Top Ten Nation: Top 10: Best Ways To Avoid Litigation In Dentistry

Practicing dentists always dread a few aspects of their careers and being sued by an angry patient, or even having a complaint filed against you can ruin not only your day but destroy your happiness for months on end. Top Ten Nation believes being prudent starts in dental school. Develop good habits in dental school and continue throughout your practicing life. So what habits or tricks should you know early on? Read on and find out!
This article is not written by an attorney and this article does not in any way shape or form replace advice by an attorney. Always consult your attorney first and foremost when it comes to litigation or protection from litigation.

Top 10 Things To Know To Avoid Getting Sued As A Dentist

1. Have knowledge about who is most likely to sue or complain
Having a complaint filed against you to your state, territorial, or provincial dental board can mean missing valuable productive days as a dentist. So who complains the most when you’re practicing? You’d imagine at first it might be your irate patients. Think again! Most complaints to dental boards that dentists encounter are actually filed against them by their own employees! Employees can complain against their dentist employers for multiple reasons, but most reasons generally involve instances where employees are made to do something they believe is wrong in the first place. Forcing your employees to cut corners, jeopardize sterilization standards, or even perform tasks that demean or embarrass them can lead to complaints. Treat your employees like family and avoid litigation, treat them like subordinates and expect litigation!
2. Documentation
Quality records and chart entries reflect quality patient care, especially in the minds of tribunals/jurors. We all know this. Additional things to keep in mind in this regard:
- Make the chart entry as soon as possible after the patient’s visit
- Sign or initial the entry to clearly identify who made the entry
- Make the entry clear, concise and complete
- Do not note fees in the clinical record
- Do not make negative remarks about the patient

 

ADA, AGD, AAPD, ASDA, ACP, AAE and American Association of Dental Boards… all same Chicago address….hmmm

American Dental Association

Academy of General Dentistry

American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

American Student Dental Association

American College of Prosthodontists

American Association of Endodontists

and…drum roll please…..

The American Association of Dental Boards

I’m sure there are more….but these “associations” are all located in the same building in Chicago, IL.

211 E. Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611

DR. CHRISTOPHER JON FREYERMUTH D.M.D–Smile Center, Plymouth MA billed for services he’s not qualified to perform–Othodontics

Mass. dentist accused of $250K in Medicare fraud

By DrBicuspid Staff

Dr. Bicuspid story here

December 12, 2011 -- SmileCenter, a dental office in Plymouth, MA, received at least $253,519 in unallowable reimbursements from MassHealth, the state's Medicaid program, according to the state auditor's office.

Most of the billing was for orthodontic services performed by a dentist who did not possess the required accreditation, State Auditor Suzanne Bump stated in a press release.

According to MassHealth regulations, dentists who practice orthodontics must complete a minimum of two years of training in a specialized program administered by the ADA.

SmileCenter's sole dentist, who is also its sole proprietor, did not complete such a program, but still billed and received $201,509 from MassHealth for orthodontic services.

As a result of the investigation, MassHealth will terminate SmileCenter's specialty as an orthodontic practice, transfer its members for treatment to other dentists, and seek restitution, according to the state auditor.

Small Smiles – Church Street Health Management restructuring

I’m hearing there are changes happening all over the place at CSHM.  I know none of this as fact, just rumors, but interesting rumors I must say.
1. Michael Lindley – Fired
2. Al Smith – Fired
3. Todd Cruse – Promoted to replace Michael Lindley
4. Jason Owen – the South and West Regional Manager – Fired
5. Looking for yet another Compliance Officer – seems they have serious issues in this area doesn’t it.
6. Dr. Olivia Croon – Promoted to regional manager, possibly to replace non-dentist Jason Owen.  Remains “co-fake owner”of Ohio clinics.  Poor Jason, guess he will have to get out there and “eat what he kills” as well.
7. Toledo dental center, where Dr. Croon is “lead dentist” is being closed
8. Dr. Kevin Reilly – North and East regional manager promoted.
9. Dr. Marlene Navaro hired to replace Dr. Kevin Reilly as North and East regional manager.
10. Rodney Cawood – Filing state documents changing their Registered Agent in several states.  Something, Linda Zoeller usually does.  Changing from CT Corporation Systems to National Registered Agents