While the procedure itself was completed without incident, Watkins emphasized that had there been any observable signs of the disorder — like refractory hypoxemia — the procedure would have been halted and emergency diagnostic intervention provided immediately.
Incidents like this often result in legal reviews, wrongful death inquiries, and consultations with birth injury lawyers or medical malpractice attorneys, especially when anesthesia or miscommunication around a child’s health status is involved.
A Tragic History and Renewed Scrutiny
Silvanna’s death is not the first time Watkins’ anesthesia practices have come under scrutiny.
In 2016, he was investigated by the Dental Board of California after a 54-year-old patient nearly died under his care due to a drug interaction during anesthesia. That patient went into cardiac arrest, and investigators determined that one of the drugs administered should never have been used. Watkins was placed on probation from 2020 to 2023 and later settled a medical malpractice lawsuit filed by the patient.
In response to Silvanna’s death, Dreamtime Dentistry says it is conducting a “thorough internal review” and consulting with national healthcare safety experts to enhance patient safety protocols. “We are profoundly saddened by the tragic loss of Silvanna Moreno, and our hearts continue to go out to her family during this incredibly difficult time,” Watkins said.
He added, “We extend our deepest condolences to Silvanna’s family and ask for continued respect for their privacy during this time of grief.”
