Advocates are pushing for stricter dental regulations in Texas after a four-year-old patient’s death, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported Aug. 20.
Six notes:
1. Aithana Arriaga died of a drug overdose in April at Cuddle Kids Dental Care in Fort Worth.
2. Chrishelle Hemphill, DDS, was arrested and charged with the child’s death in July. Dr. Hemphill’s license was also temporarily suspended, and the practice closed down.
3. Investigators have reportedly found a series of errors at the practice that they believe contributed to Ms. Arriaga’s death.
4. Ware Wendell, an attorney and the executive director of Texas Watch, a citizen advocacy nonprofit group, told the Star-Telegram that he is concerned by how much time it took for the practice to close. While dentists are only required to learn basic life support, the nonprofit is advocating for expanded training to be required, such as Pediatric Advanced Life Support training.
5. Ware Wendell also suggested that practices be required to post notices when a patient has recently died there if they are able to remain open and continue seeing patients.
6. Lisa McGiffert, of the Patient Safety Action Network, said state laws should enhance transparency on provider history.
