A dentist in North Carolina who lost his license after a patient who was allegedly given too much sedation during treatment and died cannot practice dentistry for at least another 10 years, according to a recent state dental board decision.
The North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners denied a request by Dr. Christian Anderson, who had practiced at Riccobene and Associates in Garner, NC, to have his license reinstated. Anderson's license was revoked following the anesthesia-related death of a 63-year-old patient in September 2021. Also, Anderson is ineligible to petition to have his license reinstated in one year, according to the board order dated February 27.
"Respondent described his reformation as an ongoing process, and he still requires significant reformation before he will be eligible for reinstatement of his dental license," the board order states.
In 2023, the state dental board determined that Anderson caused or contributed to the patient's respiratory and cardiac arrest, anoxic brain injury, and death during tooth extractions. Additionally, the board found that Anderson put at least 23 other patients at risk for serious harm.
"Petitioner elevated his interests above that of his patients or public by repeatedly inducing deep sedation for his patients while only holding a moderate conscious sedation permit, failing or electing not to consult with patients' treating providers about significant medical conditions, and allowing or directing his dental assistants to perform procedures that require the professional education and skill of a dentist," according to the order.
At that time, the board suspended Anderson's license and revoked his moderate conscious sedation permit "to protect the public." The board informed him that he would need to show reformation, complete continuing education, and take other actions to possibly have his license reinstated in the future, according to the order.
Testimony during his reinstatement hearing revealed that Anderson's metamorphosis was incomplete. Anderson reportedly blamed the patient's death on emergency medical service personnel, expressed pride in the handling of the medical emergency despite the board's finding of his negligence, misrepresented facts, blamed his dental assistants for actions that were his responsibility, and questioned whether his administration of sedation caused the patient's respiratory failure or contributed to his death, according to the board's decision.
