Dentist Gets Probation in Death of Patient

A West Hollywood dentist was sentenced to four years’ probation Friday and ordered to complete 350 hours of community service in the death of a patient who was given anesthesia and slipped into a coma before dying.

Dr. William G. Miller, 32, who pleaded no contest Nov. 4 to one count of involuntary manslaughter, was sentenced by Superior Court Judge Bernard Kamins.

Deputy Dist. Atty. Bob Dawson said he did not push for jail time for Miller because the dentist had no criminal record. Jodi Safier, 27, of West Hollywood, had gone to Miller’s office to have her wisdom teeth extracted on Sept. 4, 1986. She was given anesthesia, stopped breathing, suffered cardiac arrest, fell into a coma and died about four hours later, the prosecutor said.