Connecticut dentist charged in death of patient getting 20 teeth pulled, implants installed

A Connecticut dentist has been charged in the death of a patient who was having 20 teeth pulled and several implants installed.

Enfield police say 45-year-old Rashmi Patel turned himself in Tuesday on a misdemeanor count of criminally negligent homicide and a felony count of tampering with evidence. Patel has offices in Enfield and Torrington.

State authorities say Patel's patient, 64-year-old Judith Gan, of Ellington, died at a hospital last February after her oxygen levels dropped while under sedation after she had her teeth pulled.

Gan's death prompted the State Dental Commission in December to suspend Patel's license pending a comprehensive review of his practice.

Patel and his attorney didn't immediately return messages Wednesday. He has denied wrongdoing.