Warrant Issued For Tulsa Dentist Accused Of Illegally Obtaining Sedatives, Using On Children

A Tulsa dentist has been charged, accused of illegally obtaining sedatives and using those on children without a license to sedate. The investigation started back in 2021 and the charges were just filed March 13.

Dr. Lauren Whenry used her employees names to order the narcotics, Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics agents said.

Dr. Whenry doesn't have the state permits or certifications to be able to sedate patients, investigators said. Whenry told investigators she had sedation training from Baylor University, but agents said there is no record she went to school there.

The affidavit for Whenry said she prescribed Diazepam, which is valium powder, for two of her employees and then used those prescriptions to sedate some of her patients.

Investigators said those two employees told them Whenry asked them if she could order the drugs in their names. Whenry told investigators the pharmacist told her to do it that way.

“They were illegally obtained using fraud, using employees to put down on there as the patient,” said Mark Woodward with the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics.

A complaint filed with the Oklahoma Board of Dentistry said Whenry told investigators she sedated children under 12 because those are the ones who scream and cry during procedures.

Investigators said Whenry acknowledged she didn't have the proper permits and certifications to sedate patients, but her website said she “pursued extended continuing education in Sedation Dentistry from Baylor University in 2008."

Investigators said they haven't been able to verify Whenry ever went to Baylor.

"When it comes to prescription drugs, just because they are legal does not always mean they are safe. So, we have specific laws in place to make sure they are in the hands of the right people who are trained and legally allowed,” said Woodward.

The Oklahoma Dental Board said in September of 2021, Whenry was put on a five year probation for sedating children, deep-sedating adults without a permit, and for over prescribing pain meds. Probation prevents her from doing sedation and requires her to get additional training. She was also issued a $10,000 fine.

“These types of cases are very, very rare. The vast majority of our medical community is absolutely following the law and they are great partners when it comes to dealing with the opioid crisis,” said Woodward.

The charges were initially filed as felonies. The Tulsa County DA's office said it plans to reduce those to misdemeanors.

News On 6 has asked Dr. Whenry numerous times for an interview or statement, but we have not received either.