A disabled woman died after having all her teeth removed by a dentist at an NHS trust previously criticised for performing 'drastic' full extractions on other vulnerable patients. Rachel Johnston, 49, underwent the procedure at the community dental service in Worcestershire following severe tooth decay.
Hours after being discharged from Kidderminster Hospital, she collapsed and was placed on life support. Her family was later told nothing more could be done, and she died on 13 November. A coroner is investigating the death.
Two other families have raised concerns with the BBC about the same service. In both cases, sons with learning disabilities were expected to have a few teeth removed but emerged from surgery with no teeth left. The families said they were not informed beforehand.
Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust, which runs the service, said it followed correct procedures for vulnerable patients. Three clinical commissioning groups are investigating Ms Johnston's death.
Campaigners, including Mencap's Sarah Coleman, highlighted poor communication between dentists and families, stressing that 'extreme treatment should never come as a surprise'. Ms Johnston's mother said she had asked for teeth to be removed gradually but was told the trust wanted only one general anaesthetic.
