Team 4: Complaint Filed Against Small Smiles Dental Clinic
Team 4's Paul Van Osdol Reports
POSTED: 6:04 pm EDT March 19, 2010
UPDATED: 7:10 pm EDT March 19, 2010
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PITTSBURGH -- A state dentistry board complaint has been filed against an East Liberty dentist accused of making an incorrect diagnosis.The following is a transcript of Paul Van Osdol’s report that first aired March 19, 2010, on WTAE Channel 4 Action News at 5 p.m.
As first reported by Team 4 on March 11, Dr. Michelle Hershberger said a 6-year-old patient had seven cavities when, in fact, he had none.Royce Taylor, 6, saw Hershberger in June 2009. A record from the exam showed seven cavities were discovered.But Royce's mom, Talisha Taylor, took him to two other dentists - before and after he saw Dr. Hershberber - and they found no cavities. That's why she filed a complaint with the state dental board, Taylor said.Talisha Taylor: “I just want them to understand we want to do what's best for our children.”The dental board complaint says Dr. Hershberger “proposed dental treatment that was not medically necessary” for Royce, since he had no cavities that needed to be filled.The complaint said Royce “had minimal dental needs which were not indicated to have dental treatment with IV sedation or deep sedation,” which Dr. Hershberger had prescribed for Royce. Under state law, she could have her licensed suspended or revoked, and she faces a fine of up to $30,000.Taylor: “I'm just happy there is a system in place where we can go and complain, and as long as you follow through and cooperate, that some justice can be done.”Van Osdol: “I tried to contact Dr. Hershberger at Small Smiles but she did not return my calls. I did hear from Forba Holdings, the company that manages the Small Smiles clinics. A company spokesman said he is confident the complaint against Dr. Hershberger will be resolved once all the facts are presented.”
As first reported by Team 4 on March 11, Dr. Michelle Hershberger said a 6-year-old patient had seven cavities when, in fact, he had none.Royce Taylor, 6, saw Hershberger in June 2009. A record from the exam showed seven cavities were discovered.But Royce's mom, Talisha Taylor, took him to two other dentists - before and after he saw Dr. Hershberber - and they found no cavities. That's why she filed a complaint with the state dental board, Taylor said.Talisha Taylor: “I just want them to understand we want to do what's best for our children.”The dental board complaint says Dr. Hershberger “proposed dental treatment that was not medically necessary” for Royce, since he had no cavities that needed to be filled.The complaint said Royce “had minimal dental needs which were not indicated to have dental treatment with IV sedation or deep sedation,” which Dr. Hershberger had prescribed for Royce. Under state law, she could have her licensed suspended or revoked, and she faces a fine of up to $30,000.Taylor: “I'm just happy there is a system in place where we can go and complain, and as long as you follow through and cooperate, that some justice can be done.”Van Osdol: “I tried to contact Dr. Hershberger at Small Smiles but she did not return my calls. I did hear from Forba Holdings, the company that manages the Small Smiles clinics. A company spokesman said he is confident the complaint against Dr. Hershberger will be resolved once all the facts are presented.”
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- March 12, 2010: Team 4 Investigates Small Smiles Dental Clinic
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