A dentist in Connecticut has been arrested and charged with negligent homicide after a patient passed away. The woman, age 64, was reportedly having difficulties breathing during the removal of 20 teeth, which allegedly led to her death.

The dentist turned himself into police on Feb. 17, which was around a year after the patient’s death. According to reports, the dentist ignored signs that showed the woman’s health was deteriorating. One dental assistance allegedly begged the dentist to stop the procedure, but she was ignored. An alarm signaling low oxygen repeatedly kept going off and the dentist allegedly ignored it as well.

The dentist has since had his dental license suspended, although he continues to maintain that he did nothing wrong. His attorney agrees with him. So does the Connecticut Dental Commission, as they refused to revoke his license.

This would appear to be a story about the dentist’s lack of meeting the standard of care, which can result in a medical malpractice lawsuit. This would not be the first medical malpractice lawsuit against the dentist, either. He was sued in 2011 by a patient who said the dentist “severely damaged” her mouth and teeth during a reconstructive procedure.

If someone is injured or his or her condition is made worse because of a dentist’s lack of meeting the standard of care, then you may have a case of medical malpractice. An attorney can provide a lot more information about how to pursue a medical malpractice case against a dental professional. Dentists need to be held responsible when their actions do not meet the standard of care.

Source: People, “Connecticut Dentist Charged with Negligent Homicide After Patient Dies While Having 20 Teeth Pulled” Tara Fowler, Feb. 19, 2015