The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services ordered a dental center where a toddler underwent surgery and later died to close several rooms due to compliance issues, including having no emergency call buttons installed, according to multiple recently published news stories.
The state issued a cease and desist letter to Valleygate Dental Surgery Center in Greensboro, NC, after an inspection revealed serious problems with its $2 million renovation project. In July 2025, 2-year-old Er’Mias Mitchell died after experiencing complications during dental surgery. The renovations were wrapping up at the practice at the time of the toddler’s death, according to the stories.
It is not clear whether the renovations would have affected the toddler’s operation or whether he was receiving treatment in any of the now-shuttered rooms, according to the stories.
Police continue to investigate the death of Er'Mias Mitchell. His parents were reportedly told that the child’s lung collapsed during the procedure. The parents purportedly learned of his condition after he was being transported to the hospital. Er’Mias died before his parents reached him at the hospital, according to news reports.
Following the inspection, the state ordered that Valleygate close its three new procedure rooms and three new recovery bays until 23 compliance problems were addressed. Serious problems include leaks in the vacuum system, which the state found while testing the medical gas alarm panel, no emergency call buttons, as well as wiring issues and building code violations, according to the stories.
The closures only apply to the renovated areas of Valleygate Dental Surgery Center. The practice’s original operating rooms and a procedure room remain open and operational.
If the practice refuses to comply with the provisions outlined in the state’s letter, Valleygate may face closure, and administrative action could be taken against the license, according to the stories.
