Dentistry

Governor Demands Answers from Arizona Dental Board

Arizona Governor

, Doug Ducey,  is demanding answers from the Arizona Dental Board after a television report on “fake” dentist anesthesiologist credentials.

Governor Doug Ducey is demanding immediate answers and action from Arizona’s Dental Board after an ABC15 investigation revealed a Valley dentist obtained a general anesthesia permit using documents multiple people and organizations said are fake and fraudulent.

In a letter sent Monday, Ducey directed the board’s executive director, Elaine Hugunin, to respond to his questions by close of business on Wednesday.

“The information and potential risk to his patients and the public over several years is alarming,” Ducey wrote.

RELATED: ABC15 uncovers major questions about Valley dentist’s anesthesia credentials

On July 6, ABC15 revealed that Dr. Pankaj Goyal is accused of using a series of fake degrees, forged signatures, and false documents to obtain a 1301 General Anesthesia Permit from the dental board. The permit is the highest level of anesthesia certification and authorizes Goyal to administer general anesthesia or deep sedation by any means.

Dr. Pankaj Goyal repeatedly refused to answer questions about his anesthesia credentials on the phone and in person.

In a statement, his attorney said allegations about his credentials are “meritless.”

ABC15 also learned Elaine Hugunin directly received multiple warnings from multiple people about Goyal’s credentials beginning in 2014. But she declined to provide information and documentation about what happened with those warnings and declined to answer questions about their vetting of Goyal.

This credentials issue should be fairly easy to resolve.

Now

, whether Elaine Hugunin remains in her position – that is a question.