In a legal uproar, Kathleen Wilson from Minnesota has filed a malpractice lawsuit against Dr. Kevin Molldrem and Molldrem Family Dentistry.1 Wilson’s grievance alleges a harrowing experience during a solitary dental appointment in July 2020, which she claims resulted in disfigurement and substantial injuries, prompting her to seek corrective procedures from other dental practitioners.
The lawsuit outlines a staggering sequence of treatments administered during this singular appointment, including an unusually high count of eight crowns, four root canals, and a staggering 20 fillings. Furthermore, Wilson’s complaint accuses Dr. Molldrem of purportedly administering an excessive amount of anesthesia, surpassing recommended dosages, and manipulating medical records to mask the quantity of anesthesia given.
Dental Appointment Analysis: A Critical Evaluation
Dr. Avrum Goldstein, a distinguished dental expert associated with a Florida university, was engaged to meticulously review Wilson’s extensive dental records. In his detailed report dated November 14, Goldstein conceded the accuracy of Molldrem’s diagnosis concerning decay in Wilson’s teeth but vehemently criticized the treatment strategy pursued. Goldstein emphasized the impracticality and potential harm associated with attempting to address the entirety of Wilson’s dental issues in a single marathon appointment, advocating for a more measured and phased treatment approach.
Goldstein’s report underscored the alleged overutilization of anesthesia, spotlighting that Dr. Molldrem purportedly administered nearly double the recommended dosage. This purportedly excessive dosage, according to Goldstein, raised severe concerns about the risk of anesthetic overdose and potential harm to Wilson, outlining the stringent safety thresholds for administering anesthetic agents.
Dental Associations Response and Settlement
Upon queries, the American Dental Association (ADA) clarified that their guidelines don’t encompass specifics of anesthesia dosing, redirecting inquiries to other professional associations. However, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) refrained from comment, citing the nature of the anesthesia involved in the dental appointment.
Wilson’s lawsuit seeks damages exceeding $50,000, citing persistent pain and emotional distress arising from the alleged malpractice. Records indicate Molldrem was served a summons in December at his long-standing Eden Prairie practice.
Dental Appointment Ethical Implications
This high-profile lawsuit has thrust ethical considerations within the dental community into the spotlight, raising pertinent questions about the safety, practicality, and ethicality of performing an extensive array of dental procedures during a single appointment. Dr. Molldrem’s response to these allegations remains undisclosed, leaving the dental community and the legal sphere awaiting further developments in this contentious case.