Former dentist accused of causing brain damage appears in court – Chron.com

Photo: Godofredo A. Vasquez

Former Houston dentist Bethaniel Jefferson appears in front of judge Marc Carter in the 228th District Court at the Harris County Courthouse Monday. Jefferson was charged with failing to properly treat a sedated 4-year-old patient who was left with permanent brain damage during a routine procedure.

Former Houston dentist Bethaniel Jefferson appears in front of judge Marc Carter in the 228th District Court at the Harris County Courthouse Monday. Jefferson was charged with failing to properly treat a

Neveah Hall, 4, is seen in her bed at a specialty and rehabilitation hospital in west Houston Thursday, April 7, 2016, in Houston. She suffered brain damage during a dental procedure.

Neveah Hall, 4, is seen in her bed at a specialty and rehabilitation hospital in west Houston Thursday, April 7, 2016, in Houston. She suffered brain damage during a dental procedure.

Neveah Hall, 4, is seen in her bed at a specialty and rehabilitation hospital in west Houston Thursday, April 7, 2016, in Houston. She suffered brain damage during a dental procedure.

Neveah Hall, 4, is seen in her bed at a specialty and rehabilitation hospital in west Houston Thursday, April 7, 2016, in Houston. She suffered brain damage during a dental procedure.

Neveah Hall, 4, is seen in her bed at a specialty and rehabilitation hospital in west Houston Thursday, April 7, 2016, in Houston. She suffered brain damage during a dental procedure.

Neveah Hall, 4, is seen in her bed at a specialty and rehabilitation hospital in west Houston Thursday, April 7, 2016, in Houston. She suffered brain damage during a dental procedure.

Neveah Hall, 4, is seen in her bed at a specialty and rehabilitation hospital in west Houston Thursday, April 7, 2016, in Houston. She suffered brain damage during a dental procedure.

Neveah Hall, 4, is seen in her bed at a specialty and rehabilitation hospital in west Houston Thursday, April 7, 2016, in Houston. She suffered brain damage during a dental procedure.

Neveah Hall, 4, is seen in her bed at a specialty and rehabilitation hospital in west Houston Thursday, April 7, 2016, in Houston. She suffered brain damage during a dental procedure.

Neveah Hall, 4, is seen in her bed at a specialty and rehabilitation hospital in west Houston Thursday, April 7, 2016, in Houston. She suffered brain damage during a dental procedure.

Former dentist accused of causing brain damage appears in court

Lawyers for a former Houston dentist accused of causing debilitating brain damage in a 4-year-old patient while sedating her during a routine procedure said Monday that there is a difference between a mistake and a crime.

"Dr. Jefferson feels extreme sympathy for the family of the child involved," said Morgan Bourque, an attorney for Bethaniel Jefferson. "At this time, we'd like everyone to understand there's a difference between a mistake an accident and criminal behavior."

BACKGROUND:Mom says dental restraint device led to child's brain damage

Bourque declined to comment further on the allegations or possible defense strategy.

Jefferson, 40, made her initial appearance before state District Judge Marc Carter who barred her from practicing dentistry, or even consulting, while her case is pending.

She appeared in court with family members in a black dress, free on a $50,000 bail.

Jefferson lost her license to practice in Texas in November. She was indicted earlier this month by a Harris County grand jury on a felony charge of causing serious bodily injury to a child by omission, according to the district attorney's office.

CHARGES:Houston dentist indicted on charges of causing 4-year-old's brain damage

The child's mother, Courissa Clark, has said Nevaeh Hall was a healthy and rambunctious girl until the January incident resulted in brain damage that left her unable to walk, talk or respond to instructions.

The 4-year-old was sedated for treatment of tooth decay at the Diamond Dental office about 8:30 a.m. Jan. 7, 2016, prosecutors said. Three hours later she suffered a seizure, and her oxygen level and temperature fell dramatically. Prosecutors say it took more than four hours before anyone called for medical assistance.

If convicted of the first-degree felony, Jefferson could face life in prison.

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Former dentist accused of causing brain damage appears in court - Chron.com