A 9-year-old dies hours after dental surgery. The cause of death is under investigation

Los Angeles Times - Apr 3rd, 2025

A 9-year-old girl from San Diego, Silvanna Moreno, died hours after undergoing dental surgery under anesthesia at Dreamtime Dentistry. The dentist, Dr. Ryan Watkins, administered the anesthesia and observed no complications during the procedure. Silvanna was discharged in stable condition but was found unresponsive at home later that day. Emergency responders were unable to revive her, and she was pronounced dead at the hospital. The San Diego Police Department’s child abuse unit is investigating the death due to the victim's age.

Dr. Watkins, who performed the anesthesiology, has a history of disciplinary action. In 2020, he was placed on probation following a 2016 incident where a 54-year-old patient's heart stopped under his care during a dental procedure, leading to a settlement with the Dental Board of California. This incident raises concerns about the safety and regulations surrounding anesthesia in dental practices, especially for young patients. The current investigation may have significant implications for Dr. Watkins' practice and the oversight of sedation dentistry in the region.

San Diego Dental Surgery Anesthesia Dreamtime Dentistry Silvanna Moreno Ryan Watkins Child Death Investigation Dental Board Of California

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.8

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a detailed and largely accurate account of a tragic incident involving a child's death following dental surgery. It effectively uses official statements and records to support its factual claims, though it could benefit from additional verification and expert perspectives. While the article is timely and addresses significant public interest issues, it could enhance its impact and engagement by exploring broader implications and encouraging reader interaction. The story is clear and readable, but it could improve its balance by providing more diverse viewpoints and context. Overall, the article is a well-structured and informative piece that highlights important safety concerns in dental practices, though it could delve deeper into the regulatory and professional implications of the incident.

Accuracy

The article provides a detailed account of the incident involving the death of a young girl following dental surgery, citing specific details such as the location, involved parties, and the timeline of events. The factual claims, such as the disciplinary history of Dr. Ryan Watkins and the procedural details from Dreamtime Dentistry, are supported by references to official statements and records. However, the article would benefit from additional verification of the exact circumstances leading to the girl's death, as the cause remains under investigation. The mention of a previous disciplinary action against Dr. Watkins is accurate, but the article should clarify whether this is directly related to the current incident. Overall, the article maintains a reasonable level of accuracy but requires further corroboration for some claims.

Balance

The article attempts to present a balanced view by including statements from both Dreamtime Dentistry and the San Diego Police Department. However, it primarily focuses on the dental facility's perspective and the historical context of Dr. Watkins' disciplinary action. The family's perspective is limited to a brief mention of a GoFundMe account and a description of the deceased girl. Providing more viewpoints, such as expert opinions on dental anesthesia safety or insights from the medical examiner's ongoing investigation, would enhance the balance. The article could also explore the broader implications of such incidents on dental practice regulations.

Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, providing a chronological account of events leading to the girl's death. It uses straightforward language, making it accessible to a general audience. The inclusion of specific details, such as the names of the individuals involved and the timeline of events, aids in comprehension. However, the article could benefit from a clearer explanation of technical terms related to dental procedures and anesthesia to ensure that all readers fully understand the implications.

Source quality

The article relies on credible sources, including official statements from Dreamtime Dentistry, the San Diego Police Department, and the County of San Diego Medical Examiner’s Office. These sources provide a solid foundation for the reported facts. However, the article does not cite independent experts or third-party verification, which could strengthen the credibility of the information presented. The reliance on official statements means the article may lack critical scrutiny or alternative perspectives that could be provided by independent experts in dental or medical fields.

Transparency

The article is transparent in disclosing the sources of its information, such as statements from involved parties and public records. However, it lacks a detailed explanation of the methodology used to gather and verify information. While it mentions that the San Diego Police Department's child abuse unit is investigating the death, it does not clarify the specific reasons for their involvement or the potential outcomes of such investigations. Providing more context on the investigation process and any potential conflicts of interest could enhance transparency.