Texas Dentist Accused of Performing Surgery While Intoxicated

A dental technician stopped the procedure mid-course after observing the dentist's concerning behavior.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Kelly Buck, a 36-year-old dentist in Sherman, Texas, was arrested and charged with performing surgery while intoxicated after police responded to a call at a pediatric dental office. Officers allegedly observed signs of intoxication and conducted a field sobriety test before arresting Buck, who was treating an 8-year-old patient at the time. A dental technician assisting Buck reportedly stopped the procedure after observing behavior that led them to believe Buck was intoxicated.

Why it matters

This case raises concerns about patient safety and the importance of medical professionals maintaining sobriety while on the job. It also highlights the role of vigilant staff in identifying and intervening when a provider may be impaired, which likely prevented further harm to the young patient.

The details

According to the reports, police were called to the Pediatric Dentistry of Sherman office around noon on Monday, February 16, after staff reported concerns that a dentist was showing signs of intoxication while treating a patient. When officers arrived, they allegedly observed signs of intoxication in Buck and conducted a field sobriety test before arresting her. Buck was charged with performing surgery while intoxicated, a state jail felony in Texas. Investigators later obtained a warrant for a specimen of Buck's blood as part of the investigation.

  • Police responded to the dental office around noon on Monday, February 16, 2026.
  • Buck was arrested at the scene and charged with performing surgery while intoxicated.

The players

Kelly Buck

A 36-year-old dentist who was arrested and charged with performing surgery while intoxicated at a pediatric dental office in Sherman, Texas.

Pediatric Dentistry of Sherman

The dental office where the incident occurred and where Buck was allegedly treating an 8-year-old patient when she was observed showing signs of intoxication.

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What they’re saying

“Mrs. Buck is not guilty of the charges she was arrested for. 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.”

— Matthew Hamilton, Attorney for Kelly Buck (KXII)

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Buck to be released on bail while the investigation continues. The results of Buck's blood test are also pending, which her attorney says will clear her name.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the critical importance of medical professionals maintaining sobriety and fitness to practice, as well as the role of vigilant staff in identifying and intervening when a provider may be impaired. The case raises broader questions about oversight and accountability in the medical field to ensure patient safety.