An Arizona family is pushing for reform to current dental laws after a man died during a dental procedure, ABC 15 Arizona reported June 16.
Derek Swanson, 40, visited Derek Lamb, DMD, in March 2023 for a dental implant. Complications during the procedure led to Mr. Swanson being rushed to the hospital, where he was taken off life support seven days later. The Maricopa County Medical Examiner determined that Mr. Swanson died due to complications of anesthesia administration during the procedure.
The Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners found through its investigation that there were deviations from the standard of care. As a result, Dr. Lamb was required to complete 12 hours of continuing education. The board also suspended his anesthesia permit for three months.
Mr. Swanson’s parents are now hoping for additional safeguards during dental procedures. Current state law allows oral surgeons to perform surgeries and administer anesthesia if they complete the required training and have a permit from the state dental board. The family members want legislators to instead mandate that a separate provider specializing in anesthesia be present with the oral surgeon during dental procedures.
