Dentist suspended after allegedly drilling into patient’s gums

(MyFoxBoston.com) -- The Dental Commission suspended a Federal Way dentist's credentials after concerns about her ability to practice with reasonable skill and safety.

State officials announced Leu-Yeh's license suspension on Thursday after she was reviewed and found incompetent.

One patient alleges that when she went to Cynthia Leu-Yeh for whitening and bonding of teeth in April 2002, and that Yeh was tripping on the floor and slurring her words.

According to court documents, Leu-Yeh talked to the patient about suicide -- adding she had been raped and "murdered" twice. While she was talking, she reportedly drilled into the patient's gum.

The next day, an employee said Yeh appeared to be "high on drugs."

A second patient in April 2002 also alleges Leu-Yeh's practices fell below the standard of care. This patient says he or she came into have a filling replaced, but the dentist administered nitrous oxide and then applied bonding to his front teeth.

The patient said the dentist appeared giddy.

Charges state that under a March 2014 commission order Leu-Yeh was required to complete a skills evaluation program.

Evaluators allegedly found Leu-Yeh had significant levels of deficiency in multiple areas, and a panel unanimously concluded that she doesn't have the knowledge and/or judgment to treat patients safely.

Leu-Yeh allegedly continued to practice dentistry in violation of the order.

Cox Media Group