Nearly two years after their daughter died following a dentist appointment, a southern Manitoba family says they’re still waiting for answers. During a regular dental procedure, 23-year-old Virginia Blatz was rushed to hospital where she later died. Her father, Dulaney Blatz, says their whole world stopped that day. “It’s changed, and it has never been normal since,” he said. In November 2024, Virginia’s mom Victoria Blatz says she dropped her off at the Boundary Trails Dental Centre in Morden to have her wisdom teeth removed. A half hour later, Victoria said the clinic called her to come back immediately. When she got there, Victoria says the scene was chaotic as Virgina was having a seizure. “It was the worst thing I’ve ever seen in my life,” Victoria said. Eventually Virgina was taken by ambulance to the hospital. Despite doctors’ best efforts, they couldn’t save her. Since then, her parents have wondered how this could have happened. “She had a perfectly healthy heart.” Dulaney said. “Her organs were all normal for a 23-year-old.” In December 2024 the Manitoba Dental Association announced an investigation was underway. Nearly two years later, Victoria and Dulaney believe that the probe is taking too long. They said they’re not getting all the information they would like and feel like they’re being left out of the process. “I think I have something to say to their investigation, and I’ve never been approached at any point for any kind of a testimony towards what I saw, what I experienced, what I heard,” Victoria said. In a statement to CTV News, Dental Association president Dr. Rodrigo Cunha says the association understands why Virginia’s family wants answers and recognizes how the length of the process and confidentiality requirements are compounding an already unbearable situation. However, he said they have a regulatory responsibility to conduct a thorough and fair process. “...details of the investigation cannot be shared because this matter has not reached its final adjudicative conclusion. There is an important distinction between evidence gathered during an investigation and findings made through the proper hearing process. Disclosing those findings could prematurely undermine the hearing itself,” said Cunha. Cunha also says restrictions have been placed on the dentist’s license while the process is ongoing. The Boundary Trails Dental Centre also sent CTV News a statement. “Our thoughts remain with the family, and we extend our deepest condolences for their loss. Out of respect for the family and our obligations under Manitoba privacy law, we are not able to discuss any aspect of a patient’s care,” the statement reads. “We’re hoping for some accountability on behalf of MDA and the dentist, and frankly anybody that was involved in her care that day,” Victoria said.
