PA Parents Charged for Failing to Seek Dental Care for Child

[redheadbaker]

articles.mcall.com/2014-06-26/news/mc-c-lehigh-township-parents-charged-child-tooth-d-20140626_1_girl-dentist-severe-tooth-decay

Police: Parents failed to seek dental care for girl with 14 abscessed teeth

Infection was so severe dentist feared for 6-year-old Lehigh Township girl's life.
June 26, 2014|By Pamela Lehman, Of The Morning Call

The parents of a 6-year-old Lehigh Township girl face criminal charges after they repeatedly neglected to get dental care for the girl's 14 abscessed teeth that caused an infection so severe a dentist feared it could kill her, court records state.

Kenneth Wanamaker Jr. and Jessica Hoffman, of the 1000 block of Riverview Drive, were charged Wednesday with endangering the welfare of a child. Both Wanamaker, 36, and Hoffman, 31, are free after posting $40,000 bail.

Authorities said the girl was supposed to have surgery in March for the severe tooth decay, but Wanamaker and Hoffman failed to take her.

A dentist who treated the girl told authorities the decay is "the worst case of dental disease" he had ever seen and the infection could kill her, according to court records.

A phone number for Wanamaker and Hoffman was disconnected. Authorities are seeking custody of three children at the couple's home, according to the affidavit.

According to court records:

On June 19, Lehigh Township police were contacted by Walnutport police about a report made with Northampton County's children and youth office of child abuse allegations involving Wanamaker and Hoffman.

Authorities said Dr. Eugene McGuire diagnosed the girl with severe dental disease Feb. 26. He recommended what are known as baby root canals to prevent decay from traveling through the gums and into the girl's secondary teeth. Only four of the girl's teeth were unaffected and she would need a temporary device in place due to the majority of her teeth being removed.

The girl was scheduled for surgery in March, but McGuire told authorities that her parents failed to schedule a pre-operation exam with her family doctor.

The dental office repeatedly tried to reschedule the work, but said Hoffman hung up on them.

The dentist provided pictures of the girl's teeth to county authorities. When a caseworker recently contacted Wanamaker about the situation, he told her he became upset and left the dentist's office when he learned authorities had been contacted, and that he planned to get a second opinion.

On June 12, a caseworker asked Hoffman about treatment given to the girl by her dentist at her February visit. Although the caseworker said the dentist had prescribed an antibiotic for the girl, Hoffman said she never received a prescription.

The following day, authorities spoke with McGuire's office staff, who confirmed the girl had received an antibiotic prescription. When the caseworker told McGuire's office the girl never received the antibiotic, they became "very concerned."

Through a caseworker, a dental appointment was made for the girl June 17. The caseworker told Wanamaker he needed to immediately get the antibiotic for the girl, but he refused.

"[Wanamaker] reported that he would not fill an antibiotic today unless the dentist's office confirmed to him that it was life-threatening to his daughter and could not wait [until the appointment]," court records state.

The girl was treated by the dentist June 17, but court records do not provide any additional details.

In an interview Tuesday, McGuire told authorities the girl's tooth decay was so severe, "there was enough dental disease to kill" her.

In the affidavit detailing the charges, Hoffman said she had dental work this year that included several teeth being pulled. She told a caseworker that she failed a drug test and wanted to know if oxycodone she was prescribed could have caused an April 30 positive result for methamphetamine and amphetamine.

Court records state in 2012, Hoffman was charged by Walnutport police with theft by deception, receiving stolen property and passing bad checks. In September, Hoffman pleaded guilty to bad checks and the remaining charges were withdrawn.

Hoffman was sentenced to serve 5 years in prison and ordered to pay more than $8,500 in restitution, court records state.

[sugarglider]

How did that poor girl get such bad teeth so young?! What were they feeding her? Did they never brush her teeth (or teach her how to do so)?

Poor baby.

[ttt]

For a brief moment, I had sympathy because I just took SST to the dentist for a regular appointment, all teeth completely healthy, no problems, and it cost me close to $300. So I can only imagine how much surgery and such must cost. There are lots of people who I'm sure can't afford it or for whom it's a major hardship.

But then I kept reading and yeah, these people are just POS parents. That poor little girl.

[katfco]

That poor girl.

[ttt]

I would really like to know why our healthcare system doesn't consider your mouth and teeth part of your body.

[5thofjuly]

Poor girl, not only due to the pain but also because those are the parents she's stuck with. I knew right away her parents had to be addicted to something.

When I was working with court ordered persons with addictions people would ask me to look at all kinds of weird stuff- moles, letters from the IRS, court documents, etc. despite the fact that a therapist is not a doctor, accountant, or attorney. I'll never forget this mom who asked me to look at her kids teeth. He was 5 and the smell alone from the decay nearly made me throw up. It's been almost 15 years and I can still smell it. He ended up having to have surgery to extract every single one of them.

[ttt]

Jun 27, 2014 18:12:41 GMT -5 asdfjkl said:

Jun 27, 2014 18:10:01 GMT -5 mockingbird said:

In this case, complete neglect.  Due to my own experiences, I started the article prepared to be sympathetic.  But her parents are just awful people.  That poor baby.

It can happen quick. DS1 had to have such extensive dental surgery at 4, that we opted to have him put under.  Turned out he had like NO enamel.  I was fanatic about brushing, but it was always a wrestling match due to his sensory issues. Right before the surgery I could actually SEE wholes in his tooth. I felt like the worst parent ever, it was so horrible. 

The dentist said if he had the same issues with his adult teeth, we could have them coated.  Luckily they've come in ok so far.

PTS had a cavity by the age of 2 1/2 that I could actually see as a hole in her tooth.  It was from a number of things including multiple surgeries, trouble with growth, but mostly from Pediasure which I was using to supplement her diet and make her gain weight.  I too felt like the worst parent in the world, but mostly I felt like I just couldn't fucking win.  Like I had this kid that every time I turned around they were threatening to put a tube down her throat to make her gain weight and I found these great shakes that she liked and drank a ton of and BAM cavity.  FUCK YOU PEDIASURE.  I DID NOT EVEN *THINK* ABOUT YOU HAVE THE SUGAR CONTENT OF A COKE.

So much of that is genetic, though. Some people are really susceptible to cavities and others aren't. I have always been a huge sugar addict and eat WAY too much sugar, but I've never had a cavity. Just complete genetic luck. 

[gibbinator]

Jun 27, 2014 18:06:30 GMT -5 asdfjkl said:

Jun 27, 2014 18:03:24 GMT -5 ttt said:

I would really like to know why our healthcare system doesn't consider your mouth and teeth part of your body.

Eyes, too. 

And it's not just our healthcare system.  IIRC, from some of our Canadian folks, dental coverage is extra up there, too.

Correct. Although my province at least covers regular dental and eye appointments for children under 10 (I think, not positive on the age) and I *think* necessary treatments like cavities that young kids might need. After that it's OOP or you hope you have dental insurance through work.

[gibbinator]

Jun 27, 2014 18:19:44 GMT -5 ttt said:

Jun 27, 2014 18:12:41 GMT -5 asdfjkl said:

PTS had a cavity by the age of 2 1/2 that I could actually see as a hole in her tooth.  It was from a number of things including multiple surgeries, trouble with growth, but mostly from Pediasure which I was using to supplement her diet and make her gain weight.  I too felt like the worst parent in the world, but mostly I felt like I just couldn't fucking win.  Like I had this kid that every time I turned around they were threatening to put a tube down her throat to make her gain weight and I found these great shakes that she liked and drank a ton of and BAM cavity.  FUCK YOU PEDIASURE.  I DID NOT EVEN *THINK* ABOUT YOU HAVE THE SUGAR CONTENT OF A COKE.

So much of that is genetic, though. Some people are really susceptible to cavities and others aren't. I have always been a huge sugar addict and eat WAY too much sugar, but I've never had a cavity. Just complete genetic luck. 

Very true as well. My health nut, no sugar eating, carb free, organic diet etc, normal oral hygiene, sister told me a few months ago she went to the dentist and had 16 cavities

That poor kid. I can only imagine how painful that level of infection would be.

[Deleted]

A lot of my patients are now getting dental work done through Medi-cal as coverage began a couple months ago. I am so glad. Having lived through several abscessed teeth myself, I know the pain is the absolutely the worst.

That poor child.

[laurenpetro]

Jun 27, 2014 16:43:03 GMT -5 ttt said:

For a brief moment, I had sympathy because I just took SST to the dentist for a regular appointment, all teeth completely healthy, no problems, and it cost me close to $300. So I can only imagine how much surgery and such must cost. There are lots of people who I'm sure can't afford it or for whom it's a major hardship.

But then I kept reading and yeah, these people are just POS parents. That poor little girl.

QFT.

[anodyne]

There is a great program called Give Kids a Smile that is nationwide. They have biannual events that include free work, ANY WORK, for children whose family cannot afford dental care. There is one in the little girls town. Almost all dentists in the area volunteer (peer pressure makes it to where you are looked down upon for not giving your time). If any work is required above and beyond what the clinic can do that weekend, they can follow up with the dentist in their office and it is still free of charge. There are no excuses for her not to have this work done. Get your ass to the clinic. They cover all their bases, they even include transportation. The child has an adult friend volunteer with them the entire time to help them feel safe, hold their hand, take their mind off of their fear, whatever they need.

[callalily]

Jun 27, 2014 18:12:41 GMT -5 asdfjkl said:

Jun 27, 2014 18:10:01 GMT -5 mockingbird said:

In this case, complete neglect.  Due to my own experiences, I started the article prepared to be sympathetic.  But her parents are just awful people.  That poor baby.

It can happen quick. DS1 had to have such extensive dental surgery at 4, that we opted to have him put under.  Turned out he had like NO enamel.  I was fanatic about brushing, but it was always a wrestling match due to his sensory issues. Right before the surgery I could actually SEE wholes in his tooth. I felt like the worst parent ever, it was so horrible. 

The dentist said if he had the same issues with his adult teeth, we could have them coated.  Luckily they've come in ok so far.

PTS had a cavity by the age of 2 1/2 that I could actually see as a hole in her tooth.  It was from a number of things including multiple surgeries, trouble with growth, but mostly from Pediasure which I was using to supplement her diet and make her gain weight.  I too felt like the worst parent in the world, but mostly I felt like I just couldn't fucking win.  Like I had this kid that every time I turned around they were threatening to put a tube down her throat to make her gain weight and I found these great shakes that she liked and drank a ton of and BAM cavity.  FUCK YOU PEDIASURE.  I DID NOT EVEN *THINK* ABOUT YOU HAVING THE SUGAR CONTENT OF A COKE.

Lurker here but I just need to thank you for this. DD is ridiculously underweight and we supplemented with Pediasure because HEY! She's drink it. Now she has cavities and I felt like THE worst fucking mom in the world. I felt we were damned if we did, damned if we didn't and still are. We aren't doing the Pediasure anymore but trying as much as I possibly can to fatten her up. It's so fucking stressful.

[sandsonik]

Jun 27, 2014 16:43:03 GMT -5 ttt said:

For a brief moment, I had sympathy because I just took SST to the dentist for a regular appointment, all teeth completely healthy, no problems, and it cost me close to $300. So I can only imagine how much surgery and such must cost. There are lots of people who I'm sure can't afford it or for whom it's a major hardship.

But then I kept reading and yeah, these people are just POS parents. That poor little girl.

Yeah, I was feeling sympathetic too.  I could just imagine the line of thinking - 'they're just baby teeth and we don't have the money' along with 'I don't trust the dentist, I think he's exaggerating how bad it is to make a car payment'.

But no.  Not even getting the prescribed antibiotics? POS. And it seems like the dentist knew that very early on, to go the extra yard and call authorities. Good for him.

[orangeglow]

The parents are assholes.  

I eat sugar like crazy and only had a tiny cavity on a baby tooth once.  My brother is not a sweets person and had a bridge at like 4 because he had like no enamel on his baby teeth (his adult teeth are only slightly better).  Genetics are crazy.  But my mom took BOTH of us to the dentist and always found ways to pay for or deal with it.

[decemberwedding07]

Jun 27, 2014 17:59:11 GMT -5 asdfjkl said:

Jun 27, 2014 16:12:03 GMT -5 sugarglider said:

How did that poor girl get such bad teeth so young?! What were they feeding her? Did they never brush her teeth (or teach her how to do so)?

Poor baby.

www.salon.com/2012/08/10/dont_put_mountain_dew_in_a_baby_bottle/

My dad says this is called "baby bottle tooth decay." Happens a lot with juice being given in bottles.

[decemberwedding07]

Jun 27, 2014 18:03:24 GMT -5 ttt said:

I would really like to know why our healthcare system doesn't consider your mouth and teeth part of your body.

I will say that I can understand how insuring the mouth is more complicated than the rest of the body. So much of what happens to your teeth is dependent on preventive care. Yes, there are genetic issues at play, but from my time working in a dentist's office I can say that most people think they should just wait until it hurts. Guess what? When it hurts, it's a $1,000 root canal and a $1,000 crown, if you're going to save the tooth. Before it hurt, maybe it was a $200 filling. I cannot tell you the number of people who took that attitude. It almost seems like for dental coverage to work as part of a general medical insurance policy, there would need to be a requirement to see your dentist every six months and to follow his or her recommended plan in a timely fashion, or you're on your own payment wise.

[mcsangel2]

Jun 27, 2014 19:40:19 GMT -5 anodyne said:

There is a great program called Give Kids a Smile that is nationwide. They have biannual events that include free work, ANY WORK, for children whose family cannot afford dental care. There is one in the little girls town. Almost all dentists in the area volunteer (peer pressure makes it to where you are looked down upon for not giving your time). If any work is required above and beyond what the clinic can do that weekend, they can follow up with the dentist in their office and it is still free of charge. There are no excuses for her not to have this work done. Get your ass to the clinic. They cover all their bases, they even include transportation. The child has an adult friend volunteer with them the entire time to help them feel safe, hold their hand, take their mind off of their fear, whatever they need.

Thank you for posting. I have friends who could really use this info.

[craftyone]

I can see how it can happen. My middle son at 4 just had to have outpatient surgery where he was knocked out to get 6 teeth capped and 2 sealed. My crappy genetics combined with his prematurity, add in sensory issues with touching his teeth/brushing = a mouthful of silver teeth.

Luckily,my son has Medicaid for his autism, but our dental insurance covered about 300 out of the 20,000 dollar bill (Medicaid negotiated it down to about 3,000-3,500). Our medical would only cover it if it was an accident. If I didn't have Medicaid, I don't know what we would of done. Go into debt 20k for 6 baby teeth? Hope we could wait and do tons of therapy to allow him to do laughing gas to fill the teeth. I'm glad I didn't have to make that choice

[Deleted]

Jun 27, 2014 20:52:08 GMT -5 decemberwedding07 said:

Jun 27, 2014 18:03:24 GMT -5 ttt said:

I would really like to know why our healthcare system doesn't consider your mouth and teeth part of your body.

I will say that I can understand how insuring the mouth is more complicated than the rest of the body. So much of what happens to your teeth is dependent on preventive care. Yes, there are genetic issues at play, but from my time working in a dentist's office I can say that most people think they should just wait until it hurts. Guess what? When it hurts, it's a $1,000 root canal and a $1,000 crown, if you're going to save the tooth. Before it hurt, maybe it was a $200 filling. I cannot tell you the number of people who took that attitude. It almost seems like for dental coverage to work as part of a general medical insurance policy, there would need to be a requirement to see your dentist every six months and to follow his or her recommended plan in a timely fashion, or you're on your own payment wise.

I don't see how this is any different than general healthcare.

[decemberwedding07]

Jun 27, 2014 21:52:08 GMT -5 @spenjamins said:

Jun 27, 2014 20:52:08 GMT -5 decemberwedding07 said:

I will say that I can understand how insuring the mouth is more complicated than the rest of the body. So much of what happens to your teeth is dependent on preventive care. Yes, there are genetic issues at play, but from my time working in a dentist's office I can say that most people think they should just wait until it hurts. Guess what? When it hurts, it's a $1,000 root canal and a $1,000 crown, if you're going to save the tooth. Before it hurt, maybe it was a $200 filling. I cannot tell you the number of people who took that attitude. It almost seems like for dental coverage to work as part of a general medical insurance policy, there would need to be a requirement to see your dentist every six months and to follow his or her recommended plan in a timely fashion, or you're on your own payment wise.

I don't see how this is any different than general healthcare.

Are there people who are told, "Well, it's a good thing you came in for your routine visit and screening. You have cancer, but we caught it early." And then say, "Okay, doc.  I feel fine right now, though.  I'll just come back in for treatment as soon as I'm in a lot of pain."  Because really, that is what a LOT of people basically do when they are told they have a cavity.

[pugz]

how did these assholes post 40k bail?

[Deleted]

Jun 27, 2014 22:13:31 GMT -5 decemberwedding07 said:

Jun 27, 2014 21:52:08 GMT -5 @spenjamins said:

I don't see how this is any different than general healthcare.

Are there people who are told, "Well, it's a good thing you came in for your routine visit and screening. You have cancer, but we caught it early." And then say, "Okay, doc.  I feel fine right now, though.  I'll just come back in for treatment as soon as I'm in a lot of pain."  Because really, that is what a LOT of people basically do when they are told they have a cavity.

Using cancer as an example really isn't a good choice although yes, they do. How many women do not get regular mammograms?  Ignore signs of disease? 

70% of people do not take their meds as prescribed.  Within in that 70%, 30% do not take them at all.  How many people are walking around with undiagnosed diabetes? High blood pressure? How many people do not get regular check-ups?
It is exactly the same thing.

A $200 filling is out of reach for many, many people. 

[gretchenindisguise]

I never made the connection between pediasure and L's cavities, but it makes sense. L has one capped tooth and lots o fillings that we knocked her out for. Nearly $2000 oop. Suckage.

[gibbinator]

This thread is making me glad we didn't continue to give ds Pediasure daily as suggested by our pedi for being underweight and picky

[curbsideprophet]

Jun 27, 2014 22:21:04 GMT -5 pugz said:

how did these assholes post 40k bail?

This is what I was wondering

[cinnamoncox]

That poor little child

Thankfully that doctor called. Imagine how much pain that child is in? Dammit. What kind of parents can do that to their child? If it was a $ issue, the antibiotics couldn't have been that much, here they literally give them away for free.

And if the dentist was so concerned that he called the authorities, I'm willing to be the would have allowed a payment plan for this family?
And if they posted $40k bail, it may not have been a $issue after all.

[sporky]

Jun 28, 2014 6:43:10 GMT -5 mr+ms said:

Jun 27, 2014 18:19:44 GMT -5 ttt said:

So much of that is genetic, though. Some people are really susceptible to cavities and others aren't. I have always been a huge sugar addict and eat WAY too much sugar, but I've never had a cavity. Just complete genetic luck. 

I'm really skeptical of the genetics argument. I've never seen any evidence for it; but lots of evidence for environmental issues leading to dental disease. For me, thinking "woe is me, I just have bad teeth" led to lots of stress from feeling helpless, money wasted and worst of all tooth wasted. Thanks to that myth, DD also had a rough start.

When you have problems I see mainstream dentistry basically giving the equivalent of "eat less exercise more" advice as overweight people get from their docs. Just brush and floss more. Not working? Here's extra-strength fluoride and/or you must not be doing right.

There may very well be factors we don't have practical influence on, like poorly formed enamel or medications that lead to decreased salivary flow. But they're not insurmountable. Almost anyone can improve their oral health but it may take extra work for some people to right the ship. Out of tens of thousands of dollars I've spent at dentists, the most valuable information I ever got was in a $10 paperback book that took a weekend to read. Ridiculous.

But anyway, that applies to normal people and has little to do with this story since these parents seem incapable of caring for their kid properly. True, decay can spread rapidly in baby teeth and it can get bad fast. You can see it doesn't take neglectful parenting to land there. But that's all the more reason to be vigilant and get abscessed teeth treated without delay. Once a tooth is dead there's no bringing it back to life.

I don't know if kids' teeth are different in this regard, but I had one tooth die and it was the worst pain I've felt in my life. Unmedicated childbirth doesn't shake a stick at it. At the time, it looked barely suspicious on an xray and it was a good 4-5 months before an abscess even appeared. I can't even imagine a mouthful of dying teeth :? How was this poor kid functioning??

You're really skeptical of how genetics could play a role in health issues? I can't imagine how they couldn't. Total anecdote here: I am religious about taking care of my teeth. Brush 2-3 times a day, floss daily, I'm not currently using fluoride but have in the past, see the dentist twice a year for cleaning. I rarely drink soda and try to limit sugary snacks. And I have a mouth full of fillings. DH, however? Brushes once a day, never flosses, eats all the things and has had one speck of a cavity in his entire life. You can't tell me that genetics don't play a role in that. 

[ttt]

Jun 28, 2014 6:43:10 GMT -5 mr+ms said:

Jun 27, 2014 18:19:44 GMT -5 ttt said:

So much of that is genetic, though. Some people are really susceptible to cavities and others aren't. I have always been a huge sugar addict and eat WAY too much sugar, but I've never had a cavity. Just complete genetic luck. 

I'm really skeptical of the genetics argument. I've never seen any evidence for it; but lots of evidence for environmental issues leading to dental disease. For me, thinking "woe is me, I just have bad teeth" led to lots of stress from feeling helpless, money wasted and worst of all tooth wasted. Thanks to that myth, DD also had a rough start.

When you have problems I see mainstream dentistry basically giving the equivalent of "eat less exercise more" advice as overweight people get from their docs. Just brush and floss more. Not working? Here's extra-strength fluoride and/or you must not be doing right.


There may very well be factors we don't have practical influence on, like poorly formed enamel or medications that lead to decreased salivary flow. But they're not insurmountable. Almost anyone can improve their oral health but it may take extra work for some people to right the ship. Out of tens of thousands of dollars I've spent at dentists, the most valuable information I ever got was in a $10 paperback book that took a weekend to read. Ridiculous.

But anyway, that applies to normal people and has little to do with this story since these parents seem incapable of caring for their kid properly. True, decay can spread rapidly in baby teeth and it can get bad fast. You can see it doesn't take neglectful parenting to land there. But that's all the more reason to be vigilant and get abscessed teeth treated without delay. Once a tooth is dead there's no bringing it back to life.

I don't know if kids' teeth are different in this regard, but I had one tooth die and it was the worst pain I've felt in my life. Unmedicated childbirth doesn't shake a stick at it. At the time, it looked barely suspicious on an xray and it was a good 4-5 months before an abscess even appeared. I can't even imagine a mouthful of dying teeth :? How was this poor kid functioning??

Well it's not a topic I've spent much time researching. But I have no other explanation for why I've made it to 32 with not a single cavity despite eating way more sugar than I should and not having more than a basic brush twice a day routine. Maybe it's just luck.

At any rate I am sure there are a lot of other issues that can lead to bad teeth besides genetics, hygiene and diet, lots of which as you pointed out we may not even understand yet.

[Deleted]

Oh you guys didn't know? Mr+mrs has all sorts of conspiracy theories about the teeth.