After patient death, Everett dentist’s license suspended

EVERETT — The state Department of Health has suspended an Everett dentist accused of unsafe practices that led up to a patient’s death.

In August 2022, Shuichi Yamaguchi performed teeth extractions on an 86-year-old patient diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, according to Department of Health documents filed in late June.

Yamaguchi, of 19th Avenue Dental, failed to properly administer anesthesia, take medical records or monitor the patient, the health department charges say. He allegedly allowed an employee with expired credentials to assist him.

During the procedure, the patient became unresponsive and stopped breathing. Nearly 40 minutes after the first signs of distress, a staff member called 911, according to health department documents. Paramedics took the man to Providence Regional Medical Center Everett where he later was pronounced dead.

The state determined Yamaguchi cannot continue his practice in Washington until the charges are resolved. Yamaguchi has worked as a dentist since 1995. He has 20 days to respond to the charges and ask for a hearing.

According to his website, Yamaguchi grew up in Japan. He studied dentistry in Tokyo and came to the United States for post-graduate training at the Creighton University School of Dentistry.

“Dr. Yamaguchi believes quality is more important than quantity, and this is why his patients visit us from all over the Seattle Metroplex,” according to his website.

His office uses a “painless” single tooth anesthesia system, where a computer controls the amount of anesthetics delivered to each tooth.

Due to the alleged “unprofessional conduct,” his license was “summarily suspended pending further disciplinary proceedings,” the health department announced Tuesday.

An employee who answered the phone Tuesday afternoon at 19th Avenue Dental said Yamaguchi declined to comment.

Sydney Jackson: 425-339-3430; sydney.jackson@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @_sydneyajackson.