A Texas dentist was arrested Monday after a staff member at a pediatric dentistry practice in Sherman, Texas, reported her for allegedly performing surgery while intoxicated, police said. Kelly Buck, 36, was taken into custody at Pediatric Dentistry of Sherman after officers observed signs of intoxication, according to the Sherman Police Department.
The incident began when a registered dental assistant noticed Buck’s behavior during the first procedure of the day, prompting the office manager to contact authorities, Fox4 News reported. Police responded to the practice, located in the 2800 block of Loy Lake Road, around noon. Officers determined Buck exhibited visible signs of impairment and subsequently administered field sobriety tests, which she failed.
Buck had treated only one patient before police arrived, according to officials. She is facing a state jail felony charge for performing surgery while intoxicated. The dental practice, Pediatric Dentistry of Sherman, stated they were “deeply saddened and concerned” by the situation and expressed gratitude to the parents of the patient for their cooperation. “We are thankful that we were notified and we’re able to prevent a dangerous situation from continuing,” Lt. Sam Boyle of the Sherman Police Department told KXII.
Authorities confirmed Buck was working as a temporary contractor through Cloud Dentistry, a staffing agency that connects dental professionals with practices needing temporary assistance. Cloud Dentistry has since suspended Buck’s account, according to reports. Buck has been licensed as a dentist since 2016.
Buck was transported to the Grayson County Jail and later released on a $10,000 bond. A sample of her blood was taken for analysis, according to the New York Post. Her attorney has denied the allegations, stating that Buck takes the care of her patients “exceptionally seriously” and anticipates the blood test results will demonstrate no presence of drugs or alcohol in her system.
The investigation remains ongoing.
