A Californian mother dies after a procedure at a dentist, and the anaesthetist is still licensed

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The Price of a Hollywood Smile: California Family's Quest for Justice in a High-Profile Dental Tragedy

In the heart of Beverly Hills, where A-list celebrities get their million-dollar smiles, the tragic tale of Tina Owens reveals the harsh realities that can lie behind the glitz and glamour.

Tina, 60, an entrepreneur who established the successful Halocouture hair extension brand, was on a quest for that perfect Hollywood smile. She chose the prestigious clinic of Dr. Kevin Sands, nestled between iconic designer storefronts like Gucci and Cartier. But what should have been a routine procedure turned into a nightmare.

Tina’s anaesthetist, Dr. Hadi Nassar, has since been found by the Dental Board of California to have displayed "gross negligence, incompetence and unprofessional conduct". Alarmingly, after just an hour under general anaesthesia, Tina’s vital signs plummeted. The response? Shockingly, CPR was left in the hands of a dental assistant with minimal clinical experience, rather than the extensively trained Dr. Nassar.

Tina’s daughter, Rachael, has since become a voice of anguish and advocacy. “The oversight that day cost my mother her life and shattered our family,” she stated, noting the prolonged suffering Tina underwent before she passed away due to a traumatic brain injury.

But the family's anguish was deepened when, despite the grave findings against him, Dr. Nassar's license wasn't revoked. Instead, a mere five-year review period was imposed. A flimsy safeguard, according to a heartbroken Rachael, who branded it nothing more than a "slap on the wrist."

The clinic, frequented by stars such as Kim Kardashian, Miley Cyrus, and Justin Bieber, has tried to distance itself from the tragic incident. Dr. Sands expressed his sympathies to Tina's family and confirmed Dr. Nassar's departure from his practice years ago.

Rachael's grief is evident. “Every day is a reminder of the void left by my mother's passing. It’s essential to ensure that no one else endures our pain.”

Seeking justice, Tina’s husband, Brent, had previously launched a civil lawsuit against both Dr. Sands and Dr. Nassar, accusing them of wrongful death by medical negligence, among other charges. Though the duo denied all allegations, the case reached a confidential settlement in 2021.

The tragedy of Tina Owens serves as a sobering reminder that even in places promising perfection, grave mistakes can be made. And for those left behind, the fight for justice and answers becomes a lasting mission.