Poms Oral Surgery + Dental Implants

Julia

4 months ago

I am writing to formally report a serious and unacceptable incident that occurred during my minor daughter’s wisdom tooth extraction procedure at your clinic. During the placement of an IV for anesthesia, a young woman who was not identified as a nurse or licensed medical professional — and appeared to be front-desk staff — entered the procedure room. She attempted to start the IV without wearing gloves, repeatedly inserting and redirecting the needle when she was unable to locate a vein. My daughter was visibly distressed and was, in effect, treated as a trial subject. This alone represents a grave breach of medical standards. However, the situation escalated further when the same individual carelessly threw used IV materials and packaging onto a tray that had been prepared for sterile instruments, completely compromising sterility and creating a clear risk of infection. I personally examined my daughter’s arm the following day and observed multiple puncture injuries. I have photographic documentation of the injuries and am prepared to provide them if necessary. As the supervising physician/dentist, you are ultimately responsible for ensuring that only properly trained, licensed, and qualified personnel perform invasive medical procedures, especially on minor patients. Allowing an unverified individual to attempt IV placement is a serious violation of patient safety protocols and infection control standards. I am deeply disturbed and outraged that my child was placed in harm’s way under your supervision. I am requesting the following: 1. A written explanation identifying who performed the IV attempt and their credentials 2. Confirmation of your clinic’s policies regarding IV placement and staff qualifications 3. An explanation of how infection control protocols were violated and what corrective actions will be taken 4. Assurance that this will never happen to another patient Please understand that this matter is being taken very seriously. I expect a prompt response. Failure to address this appropriately may require escalation to the appropriate state dental and medical oversight boards. Parents entrust your clinic with their children’s safety. In this case, that trust was broken.