A Texas dentist was busted for allegedly performing surgery on a child while drunk – and flunked a sobriety test when staff flagged her suspicious behavior to police, cops said.
Kelly Buck, 36, was arrested Monday afternoon at Pediatric Dentistry of Sherman, about 65 miles north of Dallas, after a staffer noticed she appeared intoxicated while treating a patient and alerted the authorities, according to the Sherman Police Department and the dental practice.
Officers responded around noon and took the allegedly tipsy tooth doc into custody after she showed signs of being boozed up and failed a field sobriety test, police said.
“The caller alleged that there was a dentist practicing and showing signs of intoxication,” Lt. Sam Boyle said, KXII reported, noting the incident is “very unusual.”
“[The case is] very serious, especially if you were the patient or the victim in this case and for the whole practice as well. So we’re thankful that we were notified and we’re able to prevent a dangerous situation from continuing.”
Buck had only operated on one patient when cops said they received the disturbing call.
The dental clinic said the boozy suspect was a temp, who previously assisted the practice through Cloud Dentistry, which connects licensed dental professionals with offices needing extra help.
Buck was already working with a patient — and expected to conduct several additional dental treatments — when a registered assistant spotted her concerning behavior and notified management.
“We are deeply saddened and troubled over this situation, and we are extremely concerned that this negatively impacted a valued patient,” Pediatric Dentistry of Sherman wrote on Facebook Wednesday.
“HIPAA prevents us from sharing details about the patient involved. However, we remain deeply grateful to the parent who was directly involved. His character and cooperation are greatly appreciated. We will continue to fully cooperate with authorities to ensure appropriate action is taken.”
Buck, a licensed dentist since 2016, was charged with felony performing surgery while intoxicated.
She has since denied the allegations.
“Mrs. Buck is not guilty of the charges she was arrested for,” her lawyer said in a statement to KXII.
“She has been a licensed dentist since 2016 and takes treating her patients very seriously. She looks forward to the blood results as it will show that no drugs or alcohol were in her system. I anticipate that will clear her name so she can go back to taking care of her patients.”
She was booked into Grayson County Jail and reportedly released Tuesday after posting a $10,000 bond.
The investigation is ongoing.