A nine-year-old boy from Aktau has lost 60–70% of his lower jaw after a routine visit to the dentist, according to his mother. The child, Nuradil, developed a severe complication following the treatment, leading to the destruction of a large portion of his jawbone. He is currently receiving treatment in Astana, while his family pushes for a criminal investigation, Orda.kz reports.
In February 2026, Akmaral Kalzhanova took her son to the Mangistau Regional Dental Center for a check-up. The boy had no complaints of pain, but the dentist referred him for treatment under anesthesia without taking an X-ray. The mother was not allowed into the treatment room, citing the clinic's internal policies.
After the procedure, the tooth was not filled, and a follow-up appointment was scheduled only two weeks later. Later, Kalzhanova claims, medical records showed the treatment as completed, although no information about the previous visit appeared in the electronic database. According to Akmaral Kalzhanova, the child was subsequently given arsenic paste multiple times. After that, he developed severe pain and facial swelling, but doctors only recommended rinsing with salt water.
Soon, a purulent inflammatory process developed, a section of the lower jaw began to disintegrate, and the tooth fell out along with a bone fragment. In Astana, the boy was diagnosed with osteomyelitis and sequestrum of the lower jaw. He has already undergone two surgeries, during which doctors removed about 15 grams of affected bone tissue. Another operation lies ahead.
“About 60–70% of the jawbone has been destroyed. It is very thin, and there is a risk of pathological fracture. My son cannot run, jump, or play active games. He cannot chew normally and eats blended or liquid food through a blender and a straw,” said Akmaral Kalzhanova.
According to the mother, her son's speech has been affected, he has scars and facial deformity, and doctors will only be able to perform a full jaw reconstruction when he is older. The Mangistau Region Health Department said that after the family's complaint, the dental center conducted an internal audit of the quality of care and checked the documentation. As a result of the internal investigation, two dentists received reprimands. The family disagrees with this outcome. Akmaral Kalzhanova has filed a complaint with the Mangistau Region police department and demands that a criminal case be opened. She believes that the actions of the medical staff should be reviewed under articles concerning improper performance of professional duties, document forgery, and negligence.