Overview

• Silvanna Moreno, 9, died on March 18, 2025, hours after undergoing dental surgery under general anesthesia at Dreamtime Dentistry in Vista, California.
• The San Diego Medical Examiner's Office is investigating the cause and manner of her death, which has not yet been determined as of April 1, 2025.
• Dr. Ryan Watkins, the dentist involved, stated that Moreno was discharged in stable condition and that standard post-anesthesia protocols were followed.
• Dr. Watkins has a prior history of disciplinary action following a 2016 incident involving anesthesia complications with an adult patient.
• Experts caution against premature conclusions but emphasize that general anesthesia poses heightened risks for children due to factors like airway constriction and metabolic differences.