A Texas dentist has been charged after a 4-year-old girl died following a routine procedure that investigators say she may not have needed.
Dr. Chrishelle Hemphill, 48, was arrested Wednesday at Cuddle Kids Dental Care, the Fort Worth practice she operates, in connection with the April 1 death of Aithana Rodríguez-Arriaga, according to KTVT.
Investigators say the little girl was given a dangerous combination of medications during a tongue-tie procedure, even though both her pediatrician and an ear, nose and throat specialist had reportedly determined that the operation was unnecessary.
According to an arrest warrant, Aithana received Demerol, a powerful and potentially addictive pain medication also known as meperidine, along with two other sedatives and nitrous oxide.
The 4-year-old became unresponsive during the procedure. Hemphill and another dentist attempted CPR before Aithana was rushed to a hospital, but she could not be saved.
Her cause of death was listed as meperidine toxicity.
Investigators said the amount of meperidine found in Aithana’s system would have been considered high even for an adult. The drug was allegedly administered twice.
Her meperidine level was reportedly 793 nanograms per milliliter, well above the cited adult therapeutic range of 200 to 500 nanograms.
The warrant also states that Hemphill did not realize the combination of the three medications could be fatal. Investigators further allege that she used the wrong drug while attempting to resuscitate the child.
“Throughout this investigation I have learned from Hemphill’s own statements, her staff’s statements and from medical professionals that there was evident neglect on Hemphill’s part that led to Aithana’s death,” Detective J. Spragins said in the arrest report.
Authorities said Aithana’s primary-care pediatrician and an ear, nose and throat specialist later told investigators that they had previously examined the child and found no evidence that she needed the tongue-tie procedure.
Aithana’s family described her as a “beautiful 4-year-old girl” who was full of life and kindness.
“Her presence always lit up a room, and she brought so much joy to everyone around her,” the family wrote in a fundraiser. “She was sweet, loving, and touched the lives of all who knew her.”
Hemphill, a mother of two who is originally from Shreveport, Louisiana, has been charged with injury to a child.
If convicted, she could face up to 20 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
When are Hispanics going to learn that folks of color hate them???????
If both, her pediatrician and an ear nose and throat dr said she didn’t need the procedure, why would her parents take her to rhe dentist to have the procedure. They should be charged too.
My thoughts exactly!