Texas Dentist Arrested for Allegedly Operating on Child While Intoxicated
A Texas dentist has been taken into custody after police allege she performed surgery on a child while intoxicated. The incident has sparked widespread concern over patient safety and professional conduct in medical settings.
Arrest and Allegations
Kelly Buck, a 36-year-old licensed dentist, was arrested on Monday in Sherman, Texas, located approximately one hour outside of Dallas. The Sherman Police Department responded to a report around noon indicating that Buck was allegedly under the influence while treating patients at Pediatric Dentistry of Sherman.
Upon arrival, officers observed visible signs of intoxication. Sherman Police Lieutenant Sam Boyle confirmed that Buck failed a field sobriety test administered at the scene. Authorities stated that she had treated one patient before her arrest, though specific details about the surgical procedure were not disclosed.
Dental Practice Response
The dental practice issued a statement on Facebook following the arrest, explaining that Buck was a temporary contractor hired through Cloud Dentistry, a platform that matches dental professionals with practices. She had previously worked at the location and performed well enough to be invited back, the statement noted.
According to the practice, a registered dental assistant noticed during Buck's first treatment of the day that the dentist did not seem to be herself. This observation was relayed to the office manager, who confronted Buck. Although Buck asserted she was perfectly fine, the manager decided to prevent her from conducting further operations or hygiene exams.
The office manager then contacted colleagues and ultimately called 911 to request a sobriety test. We are deeply saddened and troubled over the situation, and we are extremely concerned that this negatively impacted a valued patient, the practice said. They expressed gratitude to the parent of the child involved, noting that his character and cooperation are greatly appreciated.
Legal Proceedings and Defense
Buck was transported to Grayson County Jail and posted a $10,000 bond on Tuesday. As part of the ongoing investigation, authorities obtained a search warrant for a blood specimen to test for substances.
Buck, who has been a licensed dentist in Texas since 2016, has denied the allegations through her attorney, Matthew Hamilton of Jarvis & Hamilton Law Firm. Mrs. Buck is not guilty of the charges she was arrested for, Hamilton stated. She has been a licensed dentist since 2016 and takes treating her patients very seriously.
Hamilton added that Buck looks forward to the blood results, anticipating they will show no drugs or alcohol in her system and clear her name. Professional records indicate Buck has a clean disciplinary file, though online records reveal a prior arrest in 2006 for drug possession and traffic violations in 2021 and 2023.
Police Commentary and Investigation
Lieutenant Boyle emphasized the seriousness of the allegations, stating, Very serious, especially if you were the patient or the victim in this case and for the whole practice as well. He expressed gratitude that the police were notified promptly, preventing a potentially dangerous situation from continuing.
The investigation into the alleged crime remains active, with police continuing to gather evidence. The Daily Mail has reached out to Hamilton, Cloud Dentistry, and Pediatric Dentistry of Sherman for further comment, but responses are pending as the case develops.
