Eastern Health has responded to concerns raised by a man from Sheshatshiu who says his 3-year-old grandson was traumatized by a recent dental procedure at the Janeway Hospital.

Paul Rich says his grandson Owen and the boy’s parents went to the pediatric dental clinic in St. John’s to have multiple cavities filled, eight teeth capped and nerve treatment.

According to Rich the dentist gave the child laughing gas and numbed his gums, yet the child still cried out in pain and had to be restrained while the dentist completed the procedure despite the objections of his mother.

Eastern Health says dentists at the Janeway collaborate with parents and, where appropriate, the child to find a balanced and individualized treatment approach considering the child’s age, maturity level, urgency of care and the family’s wishes.

It says while it cannot publicly discuss the details of a specific patient’s treatment for privacy reasons, they appreciate the concerns that have been raised and are committed to taking “all necessary actions” to ensure the provision of safe and quality patient care.