How A Routine Dental Procedure Led To A 4-Year-Old’s Death

A Texas dentist was arrested Wednesday after authorities claimed she gave a 4-year-old a fatal dose of pain medication during an unnecessary dental procedure earlier this year. 

Dr. Chrishelle Hemphill, 48, who operates Cuddle Kids Dental in Fort Worth, was charged with injury to a child causing serious bodily harm, a second-degree felony.

Aithana Rodríguez-Arriaga underwent a tongue-tie procedure, known as a frenectomy, in April after experiencing difficulty pronouncing certain letters, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. 

Investigators say Hemphill administered meperidine, also known as Demerol, along with two additional sedatives and nitrous oxide, according to the arrest report. The arrest warrant affidavit states that the concentration of meperidine in the girl’s blood would have been toxic even for an adult, and that the medication appeared to have been administered twice.

Authorities said her blood concentration measured 793 nanograms per milliliter — dangerously above the normal range of 200 to 500 nanograms per milliliter. The arrest report also stated that her pediatrician and a medical specialist both said she did not need the procedure.

When the girl became unresponsive, Hemphill attempted CPR and used an automated external defibrillator to check for a pulse before paramedics arrived. Authorities also claim she administered flumazenil instead of Narcan, the medication typically used to reverse opioid overdoses. 

The 4-year-old was rushed to the hospital, where she later died of meperidine toxicity.

“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,” wrote Detective J. Spragins.

The Tarrant County Medical Examiner ruled the manner of death an accident.

In a fundraiser, Aithana’s family said she was “filled with life and kindness,” and they were “heartbroken by her sudden loss.” 

“Her presence always lit up a room, and she brought so much joy to everyone around her … She was sweet, loving, and touched the lives of all who knew her.”