It's a cruel fact of the world that those who need medical help the most are also the ones most at risk of injury or harm due to medical care. When medically fragile patients with complex conditions go in for routine care, even the most basic procedures are dangerous. In a recent case, a dentist's permit to administer moderate sedation was indefinitely suspended after a medically fragile man passed away during a dental procedure. Thi Nguyen from Washington can continue to practice as a dentist, but this restriction will place a mark on his public record, which is available for all clients to view.

If your professional license and career are at risk due to unforeseen patient outcomes, the Lento Law Firm's Professional License Defense Team wants to help. Contact us at 888-535-3686 or through our website to protect your rights and career.

The Risks of Caring for the Most Vulnerable

Caring for vulnerable patients is necessary and inherently risky at the same time. Medical professionals give up some of their best formative years to focus on education, dedicating themselves to improving patient health once they achieve their license. However, these same dedicated professionals can find themselves in hot water when patient health outcomes are unfavorable.

Nguyen, who has practiced dentistry in the local area for over two decades, was found to have engaged in unprofessional conduct by not adequately assessing the patient's risk level and not monitoring vital signs at appropriate intervals. But with years of experience, why would this dentist wake up one day and decide to neglect their duties?

The patient in question had an extensive history of medical issues, including cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, morbid obesity, and heart failure. With such a laundry list of conditions, medications, and treatment plans in place, checking every possible anesthesia interaction and potential side effect could be prohibitively exhaustive.

In addition, making accommodations for patients with health conditions can sometimes place a professional's license at risk in other ways. Without anesthesia as part of the procedure, this patient may have had a similar health outcome due to stress or alternative medications. Or, if the dentist declined to see the patient or left them waiting, they could possibly face violations for failing to provide urgently needed dental care and neglecting the health of their patients.

Providing care for medically fragile patients can sometimes be a lose-lose situation. Hard-working dental professionals should not lose their license and ability to work if good intentions inadvertently lead to bad outcomes outside their control.

The Lento Law Firm Can Help When Things Go Wrong

Caring for the most vulnerable patients shouldn't come at the cost of your career. At the Lento Law Firm, we understand the pressures and challenges of treating medically fragile patients. If you're a licensed professional on the brink of losing your license due to poor patient outcomes or allegations of misconduct, our Professional License Defense Team is here to advocate on your behalf before your licensing board.

We have extensive experience representing medical professionals nationwide, and we can help you get back to what you do best—providing high-quality care to patients. Call today at 888-535-3686or contact us through our website to get started.