Machesney Park dentist loses state license
A state board has temporarily pulled the license of a Machesney Park dentist after investigating allegations that he inhaled laughing gas before treating patients and provided the substance to his office help.
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation announced Wednesday that it took away Dr. Kenneth Lutsch's license to practice dentistry and license to prescribe controlled substances in August. The state issued Lutsch a dental license Oct. 2, 1987.
According to a complaint filed by the department against Lutsch, the dentist inhaled nitrous oxide before conducting dental procedures on patients and gave the gas to office personnel, from Jan. 1, 2005, to Aug. 17. Laughing gas is a mood-altering inhalant often used as a sedative in dentistry.
Department spokeswoman Sue Hofer said authorities will reveal at a 4 p.m. hearing how much of the gas they believe Lutsch used and how many times. Lutsch could not be reached for comment Wednesday.
Imminent danger
The dental coordinator and a dental investigator with the state filed affidavits in Lutsch's case supporting the immediate suspension of his license because of what they called the imminent danger the alleged behavior poses to his patients and public safety.
On Aug. 10, Winnebago County sheriff's police arrested Lutsch, accusing him of administering nitrous oxide to a woman for the purpose of intoxication.
According to the Sheriff's Department, Lutsch "knowingly and unlawfully" gave nitrous oxide to a woman, described by police as a "willing participant," not a patient.
The Winnebago County state's attorney's office dismissed the charge against Lutsch on Oct. 11. Authorities could not be reached Wednesday for an explanation.
The recording on the answering machine at Lutsch's office says the office is closed.
Range of penalties
Allegations in the complaint are violations of the Illinois Dental Practice Act and are grounds for license revocation, suspension or other discipline and fines of up to $10,000 per violation.
A hearing by an administrative law judge was scheduled for Oct. 5, but it was continued. A new date has not been set.
The department is seeking total revocation of Lutsch's license or an indefinite suspension, in which case Lutsch would be required to do a number of things, such as substance-abuse counseling, to get his license back.
Staff writer Corina Curry can be reached at 815-987-1395 or ccurry@rrstar.com.