Dr. Bob Rishiraj (File Photo. Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By James Peters

Professional Misconduct

Kamloops dental surgeon fined, banned from providing sedation after second offence

Nov 17, 2021 | 2:30 PM

KAMLOOPS — A Kamloops dental surgeon has been permanently banned from providing sedation in B.C. after running afoul of the College of Dental Surgeons of B.C. (CDSBC) for a second time.

In a publication to its website Wednesday (Nov. 17), the CDSBC says Dr. Bob Rishiraj has admitted to professional misconduct, allowing him to avoid a hearing planned for next February.

The organization says it was informed in April, 2019 of “deficiencies” found in an inspection of Rishiraj’s clinic, Kamloops Oral Surgery and Implant Centre.

Rishiraj admitted to professional misconduct by providing sedation services at his clinic while it was not in compliance with CDSBC guidelines.

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In addition, he failed to:

• adequately maintain sedation records for his patients, and perform and record required pre-operative assessments or record the patient’s level of consciousness
• adequately maintain the medication and equipment in the facility’s emergency mobile cart
• ensure the facility staff that assisted with moderate sedation were appropriately qualified and/or trained to do so
• conduct mock emergency drills as required
• adequately store and log restricted drugs

The CDSBC Inquiry Committee responded by banning Rishiraj from providing sedation anywhere in B.C., fining him $25,000 plus $4,000 to cover costs of the investigation, and officially reprimanding him.

In 2015, Rishiraj was disciplined after a patient went into cardiac arrest and sustained a severe brain injury while under sedation to have her wisdom teeth removed.

The CDSBC found Rishiraj’s clinic was not authorized to administer deep sedation and he did not recognize the patient’s cardiac arrest in a timely manner.