Enfield Dentist Is Arrested on Negligent Homicide Charge

The Enfield dentist whose license was suspended by the state after had a woman died while undergoing a dental procedure in his office a year ago, has been arrested on a charge of criminally negligent homicide in connection with the case.

Rashmi Patel, 45, of Suffield, surrendered at 8:12 p.m. Tuesday to police who obtained an arrest warrant that also charged him with tampering with evidence, according to police records.

Patel, who has practices in Enfield and Torrington, has been under scrutiny since the Feb. 17, 2014 death of Judith Gan, 64, of Ellington, died at Bay State Medical Center in Springfield, MA.

She died after being placed under conscious sedation to have 20 teeth extracted and bone grafts done at Patel’s Enfield office. Officials said Patel failed to respond appropriately when Gan’s oxygen levels dropped and should not have planned so many procedures on her in one office visit.

In December, the state Dental Commission suspended Patel’s license pending a full review of his practice after finding he didn’t properly care for two patients, including a second patient that aspirated on a throat pack. Patel is subject to state review for five years.

Enfield Police Chief Carl Sferrazza told The Courant that Patel posted $25,000 bail and is scheduled to appear in Superior Court in Enfield in a few weeks.

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Photo: Rashmi Patel. Credit: Enfield Police via The Courant.