Dentist Charged: Allegedly Performed Surgery on Child While Intoxicated | Texas

A Texas dentist is facing legal charges after allegations surfaced that she performed a surgical procedure on a child while under the influence. Kelly Buck, 36, was arrested on February 16, 2026, at Pediatric Dentistry of Sherman, following concerns raised by staff.

The incident came to light when a dental technician assisting Buck during a filling and crowning procedure on an eight-year-old boy noticed behavior that led her to believe the dentist was intoxicated. According to a search warrant affidavit, the technician halted the procedure mid-way. The boy’s father subsequently contacted emergency services, prompting a police investigation.

Sherman Police Department officers responding to the clinic reported observing signs of intoxication and administered a field sobriety test, which Buck allegedly failed. She was subsequently arrested and charged with performing surgery while intoxicated, a state jail felony.

Police confirmed that Buck had treated only one patient before officers arrived at the practice. Investigators obtained a warrant to collect a blood sample from Buck as part of their investigation.

Buck has denied the allegations. Through her attorney, Matthew Hamilton, she maintains her innocence. “Mrs. Buck is not guilty of the charges she was arrested for,” Hamilton stated in a communication 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.”

Buck also reportedly told WFAA that she offered to take a breathalyzer test, but officers allegedly refused. “This is absurd,” Buck stated. “I plan on fighting this. In the meantime, it’s doing irreparable damage to my career.”

According to her attorney, Buck permitted police to search her vehicle, and no contraband was found. The dentist was working at the practice in a temporary capacity through a staffing agency at the time of the incident.

The case is considered highly unusual by local law enforcement. Sherman Police Lieutenant Sam Boyle described the situation as “definitely a very unusual case,” according to KXII.

Buck was booked into the Grayson County Jail and subsequently released on a $10,000 bond. If convicted, she faces a potential prison sentence of up to two years.

This case raises serious questions about patient safety and the protocols in place to prevent impaired healthcare professionals from providing treatment. The allegations, if proven true, represent a significant breach of trust and a potential danger to vulnerable patients. The investigation is ongoing, and the outcome will likely have implications for staffing practices within dental offices and the broader healthcare industry.

The incident underscores the importance of robust oversight and reporting mechanisms within healthcare settings. Staff members who observed concerning behavior acted responsibly by alerting authorities, potentially preventing further harm. It is crucial that healthcare professionals feel empowered to report any concerns about a colleague’s ability to practice safely, without fear of retribution.

The legal proceedings will likely focus on the evidence gathered by law enforcement, including the results of the blood test and witness testimony. The defense will likely challenge the validity of the field sobriety test and argue that Buck was not impaired at the time of the alleged incident. The outcome of the case will depend on the strength of the evidence presented by both sides.