The Iowa Dental Board has fined Jonathan Karch, DDS, after a patient died under his care, the Iowa Capital Dispatch reported May 22.
According to documents from the Iowa Dental Board, Jonathan Karch, DDS, of Johnston, Iowa, participated in a dental implant surgery in January 2024 using sedation during which the patient became unresponsive.
The patient was transferred to emergency care and eventually passed away. An investigation found that Dr. Karch did not remain in the operatory for the duration of the procedure, which is required of anyone holding a sedation permit.
After restricting the Dr. Karch’s moderate sedation permit in October, the board issued a final order in its disciplinary case April 30 that resulted in a $7,500 fine against the dentist. Dr. Karch cannot receive another sedation permit until Sept. 13. If he is granted another one after that time, the permit will be placed on probationary status for three years.
