In Dentists

Arizona dentist uses false documents to receive general anesthesia permit; dental board now under pressure

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey, R, is demanding the Arizona Dental Board answer questions after they allegedly allowed Pankaj Goyal, DDS, to receive a general anesthesia permit with fraudulent documents, according to ABC 15.

Here's what you need to know:

1. Dr. Goyal is accused of using various false degrees, forged signatures and fraudulent documents to obtain a permit from the Arizona Dental Board to administer general anesthesia.

2. The anesthesia permit is the highest level of anesthesia credentialing the board can grant dentists.

3. In a statement, Dr. Goyal's attorney said the allegations are "meritless," ABC 15 reports.

4. Arizona Dental Board's Executive Director Elaine Hugunin was allegedly informed of the dentist's fraudulent credentials in 2014.

"The board takes its mission to protect the public very seriously," Ms. Hugunin wrote in an email to ABC 15. "Information that relates to any board investigation is confidential and not available to the public pursuant to (state statute)."

5. As of July 10, Dr. Ducey still has an active general anesthesia permit.

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