In València, the investigation continues into the tragic incident that occurred at a private dental clinic in the town of Alzira. After undergoing dental procedures, two young patients were hospitalized, one of whom, unfortunately, has passed away. The second girl, aged four, was recently transferred from the intensive care unit to a regular ward; her condition is considered stable and improving.
Events at the clinic and emergency hospitalization
Last Thursday, both girls received treatment at the same private dental clinic. The procedures included baby tooth extractions and fillings, administered under intravenous sedation. Following the treatment, the four-year-old patient began to feel unwell: she developed a fever, vomiting, and drowsiness. Her parents rushed her to the emergency department at La Ribera hospital, from where she was transferred to the Valencia University Clinic for further observation.
Later that same day, about an hour and a half later, a six-year-old girl who had also received treatment at this clinic was admitted to the same hospital. Her condition was critical: she arrived in cardiac arrest. Despite doctors’ efforts, the child could not be saved. Both cases were accompanied by similar symptoms, including difficulty breathing.
Circumstances of the tragedy and experts’ response
The parents of the deceased girl said that after the procedure, their daughter was monitored at the clinic for about four hours, as she could not fully recover from sedation. Despite this, she was discharged home. Once at home, the child’s condition suddenly deteriorated, and the parents sought medical help again, but it was too late.
The clinic owner, who has over twenty years of experience, claims the child left the facility in satisfactory condition, and the anesthesiologist cannot explain what happened. The batch of sedation drugs used is currently under investigation.
Inspections and investigation
At present, the Homicide Unit of the National Police and representatives of the regional Ministry of Health are conducting the investigation. Special attention is being paid to the medications used, their origins and approvals, as well as whether the clinic held the necessary licenses.
It was discovered that the clinic does not have an official permit to perform procedures involving intravenous anesthesia. As a result, inspectors held a meeting with the anesthesiologist who worked with both girls on the day of the incident.
Position of the professional community
Regional professional associations of dentists and anesthesiologists expressed their condolences to the families of the victims. In their statements, they emphasized that all procedures were carried out by certified specialists, and the anesthesia was administered by a qualified physician. However, representatives of the medical community urged caution in making judgments, reminding the public about the risks associated with the use of general anesthetics and the importance of such procedures being performed exclusively by qualified professionals.
As official conclusions have not yet been made, professional organizations are refraining from further comment, citing the ongoing investigation and the court proceedings ahead. Doctors note that such cases require maximum transparency and responsibility from all parties involved.
