Texas dentist charged over death of 4-year-old in procedure she didn't even need: reports

A Texas dentist has been charged after reports said a 4-year-old girl died following a routine tongue-tie procedure that her doctors said she did not need. Chrishelle Hemphill, 48, who runs Cuddle Kids Dental Care in Fort Worth, was arrested Wednesday in connection with Aithana Rodríguez-Arriaga’s April 1 death, according to KTVT and an arrest report. The child received what investigators described as lethal doses of pain medication, including Demerol (meperidine), two sedatives, and nitrous oxide. After becoming unresponsive, Hemphill attempted CPR with another dentist before Aithana was rushed to hospital; her death was attributed to meperidine toxicity. The warrant cited a meperidine level of 793 nanograms per millimeter, far above an adult range reported as 200 to 500. Authorities also said pediatric and ENT specialists found no evidence she required the procedure. Hemphill faces up to 20 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.