A dental surgery center in Greensboro has resumed operations nearly two weeks after the tragic death of a 2-year-old boy during a procedure.
Er’Mias Mitchell, from Salisbury, was brought by his family to Valleygate Dental Surgery Center for a scheduled treatment to place caps on several of his front teeth. According to relatives, the procedure began early in the morning, with the child taken into the operating area around 6 a.m.
Within an hour, ambulances and police arrived at the facility. The family stated they were unaware of any complications until after Er’Mias had been transported by ambulance to a local emergency room. He was later pronounced dead.
The North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners confirmed that Valleygate does have a licensed Dental Director who is in good standing and has no history of disciplinary actions. However, the board clarified that its authority is limited in this case.
Although dental procedures are performed at the center, Valleygate is not licensed as a dental office. It operates as a surgical center under the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS). This structure means that while dentists conduct procedures, sedation is typically administered by medical staff — professionals who fall outside the dental board’s regulatory oversight.
The board has launched an investigation into the incident but emphasized that the process will take time.
On Tuesday afternoon, Valleygate Dental Surgery Center released a public statement:
“In the wake of recent events, our hearts remain with the Mitchell-Sherrill family and their loved ones.
Throughout the past week, our team has taken time to grieve alongside our community. We have also readied ourselves to reopen with a continued, unwavering commitment to providing the much-needed dental rehabilitation services to the patients who depend on us.
The Valleygate care team is a group of skilled and compassionate professionals who are deeply committed to the safety and quality of care. We do not take this responsibility lightly — it is a trust we honor with vigilance, empathy, and integrity each and every day.
Our ambulatory surgery centers are uniquely qualified and committed to creating the safest possible environment for dental care.
With steadfast resolve, we remain dedicated to delivering the care our patients count on and deserve. We are grateful to our providers, patients, and community members for their continued support, and for honoring the privacy and dignity of both our team and the families we serve.”
The circumstances surrounding the child’s death remain under investigation.
