7-year-old girl dies during dental treatment in Turkey; investigation launched

The tragic death of 7-year-old Ela Kocaçöğür, who was undergoing dental treatment at a private hospital in Isparta, Turkey, has sent shockwaves through the community. The young girl reportedly lost her life when her heart stopped during a procedure performed under general anesthesia.

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We have learned with deep sorrow that our 7-year-old child, Ela Kocaçöğür, brought from Burdur to Isparta for dental treatment, lost her life during a procedure performed under general anesthesia at a private hospital. We wish Allah's mercy upon little Ela, who left us in the prime of her life; and patience and condolences to her bereaved family, relatives, and all her loved ones.

The family of Ela, who was a second-grade student and also participated in gymnastics with her two siblings, has filed a complaint regarding the incident. Following an autopsy in Isparta, her body was taken to the Burdur State Hospital morgue. Her parents, Serap and Ali Kocaçöğür, were seen supporting each other in grief outside the morgue before her funeral at the Burdur Asri Cemetery.

The Burdur Provincial Director of National Education, Mehmet Necmeddin Dinç, expressed his sorrow on social media, offering condolences to the family. The Isparta Chamber of Dentists also released a statement, confirming that investigations have been initiated by judicial and relevant authorities. Chamber President Naim Şenyurt emphasized that the exact cause of death would be determined after the autopsy and forensic examinations.

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As the Isparta Chamber of Dentists, we are following this tragic incident, which resulted in the loss of a child's life, with utmost closeness and sensitivity. Both judicial authorities and other relevant institutions have initiated the necessary investigations into this incident. The exact cause of the incident will become clear after the autopsy and forensic medical examinations.

Şenyurt explained that general anesthesia or sedation may be used in pediatric dental treatments when children are unable to cooperate due to fear or anxiety, or if they have special needs. He assured the public that the Chamber is closely monitoring the situation and will take appropriate action within professional regulations if any negligence or fault is identified. He urged the public to await the official findings from the authorities and forensic reports before drawing conclusions.

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We inform you that we will take the necessary steps within our professional legislation without hesitation if any negligence or fault is detected. It would be most appropriate at this stage to refrain from definitive judgments that could mislead the public or affect the judicial process, and to await the results of the official authorities and forensic reports. Our condolences.