The state of Iowa has issued an emergency order to restrict the practice of Dr. Jonathan Karch, a dentist from Johnston, following the death of a patient shortly after dental implant surgery in January 2024.
According to allegations from the Iowa Dental Board, Dr. Karch was performing dental implant surgery on a patient who was under sedation when the patient became unresponsive. The board reports that the patient was subsequently transferred to emergency care but unfortunately passed away. Investigations revealed that Dr. Karch “did not stay in the operatory for the duration of the procedure,” a violation of state regulations that mandate a dentist remain present during sedation.
In light of these findings, the board deemed Dr. Karch “an imminent threat to public safety,” restricting his ability to participate in any procedures involving sedation until further notice. Despite this emergency order, his dental license remains otherwise unrestricted. The board has charged him with the regulatory offense of failing to be present in the treatment room throughout the dental procedure. A hearing on this matter took place on October 11, but a final decision has not yet been released.
Dr. Karch did not respond to inquiries made by Dental Studio of Iowa regarding the situation.
The emergency order follows a civil lawsuit filed against Dr. Karch and others involved in the surgery by the family of the deceased patient, identified as Joseph Daniels. The lawsuit claims that during a consultation on January 24, 2024, Dr. Karch discussed the dental implant procedure with Daniels, a 50-year-old with a history of smoking, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia.
The lawsuit indicates that Dr. Karch expressed concern regarding Daniels’ blood pressure during the consultation. Despite this, Daniels was scheduled to undergo the implant procedure two days later, contingent upon clearance from his primary care physician. He was evaluated and cleared for surgery by Dr. Anish P. Keshwani at UnityPoint Clinic Family Medicine the day before the procedure. However, the lawsuit asserts that Daniels’ medical records indicated “uncontrolled” hypertension and hyperlipidemia, necessitating corrective actions prior to surgery.
The dental implant surgery commenced on January 26 at 7:15 a.m. and was completed around 3:15 p.m. Care for Daniels was reportedly handed over to certified registered nurse anesthetist Nicky Newhoff, who was responsible for his recovery.
At approximately 3:30 p.m., a dental assistant reportedly alerted Dr. Karch and Dr. Robert Wolf that they were needed in the surgical suite, stating, “Joe is not doing well — please come immediately.” Emergency medical services were dispatched shortly thereafter, arriving to find Daniels unresponsive and in distress.
Paramedics intubated Daniels and began chest compressions, but despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead at Iowa Methodist Medical Center at 5:51 p.m.
The family’s lawsuit seeks unspecified damages for negligence, targeting not only Dr. Karch but also Dental Studio of Iowa, Dr. Keshwani and UnityPoint Clinic, Dr. Wolf and Coral West Dental, as well as Newhoff and Heartland Anesthesia.
So far, Newhoff and Heartland Anesthesia are the only defendants to respond to the allegations, denying any wrongdoing and asserting that any damages suffered by Daniels were partially due to his pre-existing conditions, which were beyond their control.
A trial date for the lawsuit has yet to be determined, and the case continues to unfold amidst ongoing investigations and legal proceedings.
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