An Oak Harbor dentist who is accused of drinking alcohol and then treating a patient has had his license suspended by the state Department of Health.
The state alleges Michael W. Ostrom drank on the premises of a Seattle dental office, where he was temporarily working last year.
Ostrom’s attorney, John C. Versnel, said he has requested a hearing to appeal the state’s action.
The license suspension means that Ostrom cannot work as a dentist at least until a hearing is held.
The incident involves treatment of a patient on June 5, while Ostrom was filling in for another dentist.
The state’s Dental Quality Assurance Commission, which reviews complaints against dentists, said staff members in the Seattle dental office noticed a strong odor of alcohol on Ostrom’s breath about 2:30 p.m., after he returned from lunch.
The commission also alleges that Ostrom was drinking from a coffee cup throughout the afternoon that was later found to contain alcohol.
Ostrom was spotted going to his car several times to refill his cup and later was allegedly walking with an unsteady gait, according to state documents.
About 4 p.m., Ostrom drilled out two cavities in a patient’s teeth to replace two fillings.
An office manager at the dental office later confronted Ostrom. He allegedly admitted drinking alcohol while on office property, according to state documents.
The dental commission determined that Ostrom’s alleged actions constituted unprofessional conduct and took action to immediately suspend his license, said Taylor Stair, disciplinary manager for the dental commission.
Ostrom is denying the allegations, Versnel said. “They’re ridiculous,” he said. Ostrom “looks forward to a hearing.”
No date for hearing has been set.
Ostrom, 66, has been licensed in Washington since July 1, 1970. There have been no other disciplinary actions taken against him, Stair said.
Versnel said that Ostrom, who previously had a dental practice in Oak Harbor, retired late last year.
Reporter Sharon Salyer: 425-339-3486 or salyer@heraldnet.com.
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