A 36-year-old dentist was recently arrested after she allegedly treated a patient while intoxicated at a pediatric dental office in north Texas, according to the authorities.
The incident reportedly occurred on February 16 at a dental practice in Sherman. The authorities stated that officers were dispatched to the business in the afternoon after receiving a report that a dentist was practicing while allegedly showing signs of intoxication.
When the police arrived, they reportedly located the dentist inside the office and observed indicators that reportedly suggested she was under the influence. The authorities did not specify what substance was involved. As part of the investigation, the Criminal Investigations Division reportedly obtained a search warrant to collect a sample of the dentist’s blood. The authorities stated that field sobriety tests were also conducted at the scene before she was taken into custody.
Police initially believed that multiple patients may have been treated that morning. However, in a later update, they stated that she had reportedly treated one patient prior to police arrival. The specific procedure allegedly performed was not disclosed.
During the investigation, the authorities reportedly learned that the dentist has been licensed in Texas since 2016 and has not previously faced disciplinary action. The woman, who resides in Plano, was reportedly working at the Sherman office in a temporary capacity through a staffing agency and was not a permanent employee.
She was booked into the Grayson County jail and later released after posting a $10,000 bond. Performing surgery while intoxicated is reportedly classified as a state jail felony under Texas law, which carries a potential sentence of up to two years in jail.
Authorities stated that the investigation remains ongoing.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a criminal offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.