The office of Alberta’s Health Minister was warned about the risks of sedating children during dental procedures in the spring, yet no changes were made to rules.
In May, Red Deer dentist Dr. Michael Zuk sent a letter to Sarah Hoffman’s office outlining his concern that the Alberta Dental Association and College didn’t have specific sedation protocols for children.
On Sept. 7, four-year-old Amber Athwal was rushed to hospital with a brain injury after being sedated at an Edmonton dental clinic.
In response, Alberta’s dental college issued new professional rules last week, banning dentists from administering deep sedation or general anesthesia while performing a procedure.
At the time, Dr. Randall Croutze, CEO of the dental college, said sedation rules had been under review for more than a year. Although that review was incomplete, the college decided to make an immediate change to policy.
Speaking with Postmedia Monday, Zuk said while he’s sure Hoffman’s office gets hundreds of letters each day, the ministry should pay more attention to warnings from health professionals about potential flaws in rules governing their professions.
“Can you imagine how the parents (of Athwal) would feel, knowing (the ministry) had noticed this was potentially a problem?” he said.
Hoffman met with the Athwal family last week, and said Monday the case was important to all Albertans.
“I think if you’re showing up for a dental procedure, or any kind of medical procedure, you want confidence that you’re going to be in the best hands,” Hoffman said.
The health minister said she wants to ensure everything possible is done to support Athwal and other children throughout Alberta.
“This is something the college … is looking at very carefully and has been since 2015,” she said.