HONOLULU (AP) — A former Oahu dentist pleaded not guilty to manslaughter and other charges related to the 2014 death of a 3-year-old girl who suffered cardiac arrest during a dental procedure. ADVERTISING HONOLULU (AP) — A former Oahu dentist
HONOLULU (AP) — A former Oahu dentist pleaded not guilty to manslaughter and other charges related to the 2014 death of a 3-year-old girl who suffered cardiac arrest during a dental procedure.
A grand jury indicted Lilly Geyer on 37 counts last month, including manslaughter, medical assistance fraud and assault. She denied the charges Monday.
The indictment stems from events involving several patients at Island Dentistry for Children in Kailua dating back to 2013. The practice has since closed.
The patient who died, Finley Boyle, was found to have lapsed into a coma after receiving an array of sedatives and anesthesia in preparation for cavity fillings and root canals. An autopsy report determined the cardiac arrest likely was the result of some of the drugs administered to the girl. The Honolulu medical examiner classified the death as an accident.
Geyer’s insurance company settled a lawsuit by the Boyle family for an undisclosed amount.
Defense Attorney Michael Green said Geyer should’ve never faced criminal charges.
University of Hawaii law professor Ken Lawson said the case could have broader implications.
“When you start charging physicians and other professions with criminal wrongdoing, then you’re going to have professionals turning away patients, saying ‘I don’t want to take the chance. I could be criminally charged,’” Lawson said.
Geyer’s trial is set for Dec. 5.
