A California dentist faces scrutiny after a 9-year-old girl died post routine dental surgery.

By Aniket Chakraborty June 18, 2025 Arrow

Silvanna Moreno died hours after her visit to Dreamtime Dentistry in Vista, CA.

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An autopsy revealed the cause: methemoglobinemia triggered by nitrous oxide anesthesia.

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The dentist, Dr. Ryan Watkins, had a troubling history with anesthesia-related incidents.

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In 2016, Watkins' patient—a healthy 54-year-old man—suffered cardiac arrest during treatment.

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Watkins was put on 35-month probation in 2020 for "unprofessional conduct" involving drug use.

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Despite this, he continued to practice, under certain oversight conditions by the Dental Board.

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Watkins insists Moreno’s death was an unforeseeable reaction to an undiagnosed condition.

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He says protocols were followed and is conducting a full internal review with outside experts.

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As the community mourns, the case raises urgent questions about dental anesthesia safety.

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