Troubled dentist arrested in trafficking sting

An oral surgeon in Washington who surrendered his dental license following a patient's death was one of more than a dozen people arrested in a sex trafficking sting, according to recently published news reports.

Dr. Thomas Laney, who operated an oral surgery practice in Moses Lake, WA, until he voluntarily surrendered his license for allegedly practicing below the standard of care in his treatment of a patient who died following complications related to tooth extractions, was charged with patronizing a prostitute.

Laney was arrested on November 20 as part of a three-day sex trafficking crackdown in Moses Lake, WA. He was one of 19 people arrested. Of them, 13 were charged with patronizing a prostitute and six were charged with prostitution.

In May 2024, the Washington Medical Commission determined that Laney, a dentist and medical doctor who remained licensed despite a patient death about 15 years ago and several malpractice lawsuits, would not be able to renew or reactivate his license.

In January 2023, an 87-year-old patient with a history of health conditions, including dementia, congestive heart failure, strokes, hypertension, and an in situ pacemaker, went to Laney's oral surgery practice to have six teeth removed while under IV and local anesthesia.

After placing the patient under anesthesia and starting the procedure, the patient's oxygen saturation levels dropped and the patient developed a very low blood oxygen level. Laney gave the patient additional medication, assessed the patient for an obstruction, and inserted a laryngeal mask airway. Despite the severity of the patient's condition, Laney reportedly continued the elective surgery. The patient's saturation levels continued to fall, and emergency medical services were contacted about two hours after the procedure began. Ultimately, the patient died, according to the commission.

In 2008, Laney was practicing in Seattle when he was sued by an 18-year-old woman who said he botched a breast reduction surgery three years prior. At the time of this lawsuit, Laney had stopped performing cosmetic surgeries.