A dentist in Ohio who lost his license two times in the past for alleged substance abuse is under investigation following the death of a patient during sedation for tooth extractions and more, according to multiple news stories.
Dr. Scott Schumann. Image courtesy of Grove City Dental.
At this time, no charges have been filed against Dr. Scott Schumann of Grove City Dental in Grove City, OH, for his alleged role in the death of Michael Beesler, 61. The Ohio State Dental Board and police are continuing to investigate.
On February 13, police and emergency medical professionals were dispatched to the dental practice because Beesler, who underwent sedation for extractions, a root canal, deep cleanings, and dentures, was unresponsive.
When the police arrived, Schumann was giving CPR to Beesler, who was hooked to a defibrillator. Beesler was taken to a nearby hospital. He died three days later, according to stories.
Schumann and three dental assistants were interviewed by police. One witness told police that the patient was reportedly given ibuprofen and acetaminophen before he was administered nitrous oxide. Then, a hygienist allegedly gave Beesler four sedative pills and eight numbing agents.
Also, a witness told investigators that Beesler's blood oxygen levels fell and that Schumann allegedly said the patient was "fine" and disregarded an assistant's second warning about the patient's levels, according to the stories.
Schumann reportedly told police that Beesler had a pulse, was breathing, and his body was warm. However, shortly after this, when it appeared that Beesler wasn't breathing, a drug was purportedly given to the patient to rouse him out of sedation, according to the stories.
Schumann's license was suspended in 2002 and 2015 for his alleged inability to practice under accepted standards due to mental or physical disability, dependence on drugs or alcohol, or excessive use of substances. Both of his suspensions included probationary periods of five years, according to state dental board documents.
