Expect Lawsuits to Follow Surgery Bill

Re “Senate OKs Cosmetic Surgery Bill,” Aug. 18: I thought that the government was supposed to protect the public interest, not bow to special interests. But it is apparently business as usual in Sacramento.

The state Senate, by approving a bill that would allow some dentists to perform cosmetic surgery procedures, is sending the message that a dentist who completes a “special surgery program” is as trained and competent as a plastic surgeon who has spent years in the specialty.

In anticipating the malpractice lawsuits likely to result from this misguided bit of legislation, I hope that senators will be named co-defendants.

Susan Baker

Los Angeles