“Dentist with Prior Probation History Treated 9-Year-Old Girl Who Passed Away After Anesthesia”

A dentist in California was put on probation for a previous mishap before being involved in the treatment of a 9-year-old girl who tragically passed away after a routine procedure, as revealed in documents.

Dr. Ryan Watkins faced disciplinary action in 2020 due to an incident from 2016, where a 54-year-old man experienced a cardiac arrest when Watkins administered anesthesia during a dental operation.

The complaint submitted to the Dental Board of California indicated that Watkins was guilty of “unprofessional conduct” by administering an excessive amount of drugs or treatment to the patient, referred to only as “MK.”

The man had seen Watkins approximately three times before the dental surgery and was considered to be in “excellent health” and was a triathlete. 

Silvanna Moreno, 9, died following oral surgery. (GoFundMe)

Watkins said that “the dosage administered was appropriate for the patient’s age and weight, following established medical protocols.”

“Any interactions or negative side effects were not due to dosage but instead due to her rare but undiagnosed/undetected medical condition,” Watkins shared in a statement with Fox News Digital. 

According to an autopsy report from the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office, authorities ruled that her manner of death was an accident caused by “methemoglobinemia in the setting of recent nitrous oxide administration.” 

“We are profoundly saddened by the tragic loss of Silvanna Moreno, and our hearts continue to go out to her family during this incredibly difficult time,” Watkins said. 

Stepheny Price is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. She covers topics including missing persons, homicides, national crime cases, illegal immigration, and more. Story tips and ideas can be sent to [email protected]