Florida dentist relinquishes his license after patient dies while under sedation: 5 insights

Steven Baxter, DDS, of Kissimmee (Fla.) Family Dentistry voluntarily gave up his medical license after a patient died while undergoing a routine procedure, according to WFTV 9.

Here are five insights:

1. Dr. Baxter was performing a wisdom tooth removal procedure when the patient died. The autopsy report showed the patient stopped breathing, causing brain damage. The patient was in a coma for two days before he passed away.

2. The patient's family filed a civil suit against Dr. Baxter and Kissimmee Family Dentistry. The civil suit was settled, but no terms of the agreement were released.

3. An investigation found Dr. Baxter did not keep proper records of the sedation process. Investigators accused the dentist of not delivering CPR to the patient until emergency services arrived.

4. In Florida, dentists are only required to have an assistant or dental hygienist certified in life-saving procedures present when using pediatric conscious sedation.

5. The patient's family filed a separate lawsuit against another Kissimmee Family Dentistry dentist. However, the court dismissed the case saying the dentist had no relationship with the patient or involvement in his death.

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