The Essex County Prosecutor's office is considering bringing criminal charges against an Irvington dentist after a three-year-old child died in his care.

Officials say 3-year-old Juan Quiej was taken by his mother to Dental Health Associates last week to receive fillings for his cavities. During the procedure, the mother says she saw her son's lips turn blue. Juan died that day at a local hospital.

The dentist's office issued a statement through their corporate attorney. It reads: "During an otherwise routine dental procedure, a child patient under topical and local anesthesia suddenly stopped breathing. Emergency treatment was immediately performed, including but not limited to CPR and administration of oxygen, both by the treating pediatric dentist and a doctor of dental medicine. We understand the child was resuscitated at the hospital but sometime thereafter, sadly the child passed away."

"The entire management and staff express its heartfelt and deepest condolences to the family and friends of the child. There are no words to express the extent of our sense of sadness and our prayers are with the family and friends."

Juan's parents identified the pediatric dentist as Patrick Bamgboye. According to the family's attorney, Bamgboye's license was suspended by the state board of dentistry after a 6-year-old girl died while undergoing a procedure in 2004.

The Essex County Prosecutor's Office says it will meet with the family and consult with the Division of Consumer Affairs' Board of Dentistry. It will then determine whether criminal charges are warranted. Juan's funeral was held yesterday in Union.