9-year-old-girl dies after dental procedure performed at Vista office
VISTA, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — Authorities are looking into the death of a 9-year-old girl that happened shortly after she underwent general anesthesia for a dental surgery at Dreamtime Dentistry in Vista on March 18.
A statement from dentist anesthesiologist, Dr. Ryan Watkins, of Dreamtime Dentistry says, in part, 'The patient was referred to our office for dental treatment under general anesthesia due to her young age and acute situational anxiety. Throughout the procedure she was continuously monitored by our dentist anesthesiologist…'
PREVIOUS: North County dental office releases statement after girl dies post-surgery
The statement goes on to say, 'Following the procedure she was discharged in stable condition – awake, with stable vital signs…'
A report from the San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office claims the girl was discharged from the facility and remained asleep on the ride home.
Once at home, she was placed in her bed where she remained asleep. Family checked on her throughout the day and later found her unresponsive.
The girl was pronounced dead upon arrival at Rady Children's Hospital.
A representative for Dr. Watkins says, 'The medical examiner's report leaves out the fact that following the procedure, and after time in recovery, the patient was discharged in stable condition. She was awake with stable vital signs…'
The statement adds that, at this time, the cause of death has not been determined. The medical examiner is conducting a thorough investigation, with which they are fully cooperating.
This is not the first incident to make headlines at Dreamtime Dentistry.
Back in 2016, a patient in Dr. Watkins care nearly died after a cardiac incident during a dental procedure under anesthesia.
FOX 5/KUSI has reached out to the medical examiner's office and SDPD who are conducting the investigation and have not heard back.
A GoFundMe has been set up to cover the funeral costs, raising more than $15,000 as of Monday.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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