For immediate release: November 30, 2007                                                             (07-208)

Contacts:
Taylor Stair, Disciplinary Manager 360-236-4886

Allison Cook, Communications Office 360-236-4022

Shoreline dentist suspended for over-sedating patient

OLYMPIA ¾ The license of dentist Christopher Alan Wodja (DE00009263) has been immediately suspended for over-medicating a patient and providing substandard care.

Charges say Wodja over-sedated a female patient during an after hours appointment with no staff present. He directed the patient to change into a see-through gown, which left her exposed from the waist down. Wodja put the patient at an unreasonable risk of harm and failed to adequately perform the dental procedure that was scheduled.

Wodja has 10 days to request a prompt hearing and 20 days to respond to the action taken by the Dental Quality Assurance Commission and the state Department of Health.

The charging documents are available online; click “Provider Credential Search” on the Department of Health home page (www.doh.wa.gov) or call 360-236-4700.

This action means Wodja cannot practice or be employed as a dentist in Washington, pending the outcome of a hearing.

The Dental Quality Assurance Commission protects and promotes public health, safety and welfare in Washington by regulating the competency and quality of dentists. Rules, policies and procedures developed by the commission promote the delivery of quality health care to state residents.

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