In today’s 12 investigates, we are looking into the death of *** 2 year old in Greensboro. He was rushed to the hospital during *** procedure at Valley Gate Dental Surgery Center yesterday. Our Sarah Sower spoke with family members, and she’s been working to gather more details for us. Sarah, what are you learning tonight? Lindsay, I’ll start with what’s still unclear. We are still waiting for answers about exactly what led to the two year old’s death. The family tells us Ermas Mitchell was *** healthy and happy child and needed *** procedure for his cavities, but something went wrong. David Mitchell told us his only son was under anesthesia and rushed to the hospital for *** collapsed lung, but the family says they did not get to ride in the ambulance with him. Valley Gate Dental Surgery Center remains closed. They sent us this statement. Today referencing their experienced anesthesiologists and nurses and their history in Greensboro, they go on to say in part, quote, While rare complications can occur unexpectedly even under carefully controlled circumstances. We are actively reviewing yesterday’s circumstances in collaboration with all relevant agencies. 12 investigators discovered the center is not licensed, certified, or accredited by the North Carolina Dental Board, but that they will be investigating this. Tragedy Valley Gate is licensed through the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Instead. DHHS says it cannot comment on *** potential or ongoing investigation but did say, quote, the passing of this child is tragic, and our hearts break for everyone impacted by his death. The department takes seriously its role in helping to ensure the health, safety and well-being of North Carolinians. Hermas’s family wants someone to be held accountable. My heart is broke, like there’s no coming back from this. Never would I thought that I’ll only have 2 years. With my baby. While we are waiting to learn more about the investigations launched, we do know that the dental board will focus their investigation on two things whether Ermaus’s death occurred as *** result of sedation administered or as *** result of improper dental treatment. I’ve reached out for clarity on why some practices are licensed through the dental board and others are through DHHS. I will update you when I get *** response in studio, Sarah Sowers, WXII 12 News.
Death investigation underway after 2-year-old dies at oral surgery center in Greensboro, officials say
Updated: 5:28 PM EDT Jul 18, 2025
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A death investigation involving a toddler is underway, according to officers with the Greensboro Police Department.Officers said they were dispatched at 7:16 a.m. to 510 Hickory Ridge Drive for a “law assistance” call for service. The investigation is active and ongoing.The child has been identified as 2-year-old Er’Mias Mitchell, according to his grandmother. The family said he had an appointment that involved anesthesia, and they were told his lung had collapsed. Mitchell’s grandmother told WXII that the family is incredibly upset at how the oral surgery center handled the situation. The North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners told WXII it will be investigating the circumstances surrounding Mitchell’s death. CEO and legal counsel Bobby White sent WXII 12 a statement that said, “the Dental Board joins with all who mourn the death of Er’Mias Mitchell and, though strangers to his family, we are deeply saddened by this tragic news.” White added, “it appears that Valleygate Dental Surgery Center is an independently accredited surgery center utilizing the services of both medical and dental professionals and is not licensed, certified, or accredited by the NC Dental Board. Early indications are that the Dental Board’s investigation will focus on whether this death occurred as a result of sedation administered by a medical provider (over which the Dental Board has no jurisdiction) or was the result of improper dental treatment which, of course, is within our jurisdiction.”Virginia Jones, Ph.D., CEO of Valleygate Dental Surgery Centers, sent WXII a statement, saying:”We are heartbroken by yesterday’s tragic events concerning one of our patients. Our thoughts are with their family and loved ones during this unimaginably difficult time. The health and well-being of every patient is our highest priority. Our staff includes an array of highly experienced and board-certified physician anesthesiologists, certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), and nurses. Our professionals are dedicated to providing a caring, nurturing environment where comfort, dental health, and safety are of primary importance. Since 2019, more than 13,000 patients have safely received care at our Greensboro ambulatory surgery center. While rare, complications can occur unexpectedly even under carefully controlled circumstances. We are actively reviewing yesterday’s circumstances in collaboration with all relevant agencies. We remain focused on safety, transparency, and the trust our patients place in us. While we cannot comment on specifics at this time, we will provide updates as appropriate, and in a manner respectful to the privacy of our patient’s family.”If you’d like to help Er’Mias’ family during this time, you can donate here.WXII is working to learn more.This is a developing story; check back for updates.Get the latest news stories of interest by clicking hereWatch: NOWCAST streaming newscastsNAVIGATE: Home | Weather | Watch NOWCAST TV | Local News | National | News We Love |Keep up with the latest news and weather by downloading the WXII app hereTRENDING STORIES
A death investigation involving a toddler is underway, according to officers with the Greensboro Police Department.
Officers said they were dispatched at 7:16 a.m. to 510 Hickory Ridge Drive for a “law assistance” call for service. The investigation is active and ongoing.
The child has been identified as 2-year-old Er’Mias Mitchell, according to his grandmother. The family said he had an appointment that involved anesthesia, and they were told his lung had collapsed.
Mitchell’s grandmother told WXII that the family is incredibly upset at how the oral surgery center handled the situation.
The North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners told WXII it will be investigating the circumstances surrounding Mitchell’s death.
CEO and legal counsel Bobby White sent WXII 12 a statement that said, “the Dental Board joins with all who mourn the death of Er’Mias Mitchell and, though strangers to his family, we are deeply saddened by this tragic news.” White added, “it appears that Valleygate Dental Surgery Center is an independently accredited surgery center utilizing the services of both medical and dental professionals and is not licensed, certified, or accredited by the NC Dental Board. Early indications are that the Dental Board’s investigation will focus on whether this death occurred as a result of sedation administered by a medical provider (over which the Dental Board has no jurisdiction) or was the result of improper dental treatment which, of course, is within our jurisdiction.”
Virginia Jones, Ph.D., CEO of Valleygate Dental Surgery Centers, sent WXII a statement, saying:
“We are heartbroken by yesterday’s tragic events concerning one of our patients. Our thoughts are with their family and loved ones during this unimaginably difficult time. The health and well-being of every patient is our highest priority. Our staff includes an array of highly experienced and board-certified physician anesthesiologists, certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), and nurses. Our professionals are dedicated to providing a caring, nurturing environment where comfort, dental health, and safety are of primary importance. Since 2019, more than 13,000 patients have safely received care at our Greensboro ambulatory surgery center. While rare, complications can occur unexpectedly even under carefully controlled circumstances. We are actively reviewing yesterday’s circumstances in collaboration with all relevant agencies. We remain focused on safety, transparency, and the trust our patients place in us. While we cannot comment on specifics at this time, we will provide updates as appropriate, and in a manner respectful to the privacy of our patient’s family.”
If you’d like to help Er’Mias’ family during this time, you can donate here.
WXII is working to learn more.
This is a developing story; check back for updates.
Get the latest news stories of interest by clicking here
Watch: NOWCAST streaming newscasts
NAVIGATE: Home | Weather | Watch NOWCAST TV | Local News | National | News We Love |
Keep up with the latest news and weather by downloading the WXII app here
TRENDING STORIES
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