Fort Worth Dentist Arrested
A Fort Worth pediatric dentist has been arrested months after a 4-year-old girl died following a dental procedure that investigators say involved dangerous sedation practices, medication errors, and critical delays in emergency care.
Dr. Chrishelle Hemphill was taken into custody this week on a charge of injury to a child causing serious bodily injury, according to authorities. The arrest stems from the death of 4-year-old Amoree Love, who suffered a medical emergency during a dental procedure at a Fort Worth office in May 2025 and later died at a hospital. Investigators allege the child’s death followed a series of preventable mistakes made before, during, and after the procedure.
Investigators Allege Dangerous Medication Combination
According to an arrest affidavit, Hemphill administered multiple sedative medications that experts later determined created a potentially lethal combination for a young child. Authorities allege Amoree was given meperidine, also known by the brand name Demerol, along with hydroxyzine and chloral hydrate before the dental procedure.
Medical experts reviewing the case told investigators that the combination significantly increased the risk of respiratory depression, a condition in which breathing slows or stops. The affidavit further alleges that the dosage of meperidine exceeded recommended pediatric limits based on the child’s weight.
Investigators also contend that chloral hydrate is no longer widely recommended for pediatric dental sedation because of its safety concerns and prolonged effects in children.
Child’s Condition Rapidly Deteriorated
According to court documents, Amoree became unresponsive after the dental procedure. Rather than immediately calling 911, investigators say there was a delay in recognizing the severity of her condition and initiating emergency medical care.
Emergency responders eventually transported the child to a nearby hospital, where she later died.
The Tarrant County Medical Examiner ruled the death a homicide, citing complications associated with sedation medications administered during the dental procedure.
Affidavit Details Multiple Alleged Errors
The arrest affidavit outlines what investigators describe as numerous failures throughout the procedure.
Authorities allege that Hemphill:
- Administered excessive doses of meperidine.
- Used a combination of sedative medications that experts considered unsafe.
- Failed to properly monitor the child’s oxygen levels and vital signs during sedation.
- Delayed activating emergency medical services after the child became unresponsive.
- Did not meet accepted standards for pediatric sedation safety.
Investigators consulted pediatric anesthesiology experts, who concluded that the sedation plan and patient monitoring fell below the standard of care expected for young children undergoing dental procedures.
Dentist Booked Into Tarrant County Jail
Hemphill was booked into the Tarrant County Jail following her arrest. Court records indicate she faces a felony charge connected to the alleged injuries that ultimately resulted in the child’s death.
If convicted, the charge carries significant prison time under Texas law. Prosecutors have not announced whether additional charges could be filed as the investigation continues.
Case Raises Questions About Pediatric Dental Sedation
The case has drawn renewed attention to sedation practices in pediatric dentistry. While sedation is commonly used to help young children undergo dental treatment safely and comfortably, experts emphasize that it requires strict adherence to dosing guidelines, continuous monitoring, and immediate access to emergency equipment and trained personnel.
Professional organizations recommend careful patient selection, weight-based medication calculations, continuous monitoring of oxygen saturation and breathing, and rapid emergency intervention if complications occur. The investigation into Amoree Love’s death remains ongoing.
