Couple Accused of Child Neglect in Case of Poor Dental Care of Daughter

[DiamondSmiles]

Our local news stated the girl needs 14 baby root canals.

Video may be viewed here, along with our news.
http://6abc.com/video/144535


By WALTER PEREZ

June 27, 2014

LEHIGH VALLEY (WPVI) -- The parents of a 6 year old girl are facing charges and police say it's because they didn't take care of their daughter's teeth.

A dentist says her life could potentially be at risk without the proper treatment, describing her condition to authorities as, "The worst case of dental disease he has ever seen."

The dentist findings are laid out in an affidavit that describes a case of neglect so severe, the youngster is suffering from 14 abscessed teeth.

The report goes on to say that if her condition is ignored any further the result could be a potentially fatal infection.

Authorities say the most disturbing part is that the girl was scheduled to undergo surgery back in March. But her parents, Kevin "Chip" Wanamaker, Jr., 36, and Jessica Hoffman, 31, never scheduled a pre-operation exam and so the procedure has yet to be performed.

We spoke with an investigative team from the Northampton County Children, Youth, and Services Division.

While they are not permitted to discuss the details of a pending case, department administrator Kevin Dolan says the situation was handled by the book from the moment they receive the first complaint.

Dolan explains, "We have to begin the investigation within 24 hours and then take action based on what we're discovering, either through our safety assessment or the immediate investigation."

Action News also spoke by phone with the girl's father.

Kenneth Wanamaker says that while his daughter's teeth need some help, he and the youngster's mother are raising a happy, well-adjusted child who is vibrant and involved in a number of activities, including youth car racing.

Wanamaker goes on to say that he doesn't even think that the authorities really believe his daughter's life is in any kind of danger.

He tells us, "What law enforcement agency would wait six months and file these charges? It's all an act for me to comply, and do these requirements, and jump through hoops of the system."

However, arrangements are now being made for that surgery to be performed this summer. But the girl's parents, who have been released on $40,000 bail, are still facing child endangerment charges.

[Mr Poo]

Jail time for kids refusing to brush teeth..

[DiamondSmiles]

In adults, bad gums can cause strokes.

Don't know about children, but, I think the parents deserve jail time.

They were told about it several times with the little girl, according to our news.

[OhJstFkOffAlrdy]

I've had a few dental abscesses over the years, but never more than one at a time and certainly not 14. Yet even despite the dentist's report, it's all just a scam by The Man according to the father.

Right, dude. Riiiiight.

[DiamondSmiles]

Originally Posted by Metal Mike

I've had a few dental abscesses over the years, but never more than one at a time and certainly not 14. Yet even despite the dentist's report, it's all just a scam by The Man according to the father.

Right, dude. Riiiiight.

My youngest niece had bad teeth from going to sleep with a 2 liter Mountain Dew every night and not brushing her teeth.

She needed a few of those baby root canals and also had two sets of her four front top teeth, four of which were removed. (not from the soda, of course).

She now has braces and is taking better care of them. I think she is 20 now. That is her in my avatar. <3 We are so proud of her!

I always brush my teeth before going to sleep.

If I fall asleep before doing so, when I wake up for a potty break, I do them then, no matter what time it is.

I'm keeping mine as long as possible.

[Pyramid_Head]

14 abscessed teeth? How can you make your child suffer like that?

[rapeWhistle]

Originally Posted by diamondsmiles

My youngest niece had bad teeth from going to sleep with a 2 liter Mountain Dew every night and not brushing her teeth.

She needed a few of those baby root canals and also had two sets of her four front top teeth, four of which were removed. (not from the soda, of course).

She now has braces and is taking better care of them. I think she is 20 now.

I always brush my teeth before going to sleep.

If I fall asleep before doing so, when I wake up for a potty break, I do them then, no matter what time it is.

I'm keeping mine as long as possible.

Sounds like more shitty parenting.

[DiamondSmiles]

Originally Posted by Pyramid_Head

14 abscessed teeth? How can you make your child suffer like that?

The, "parents," look like they may be related.

[Kelseecat65]

These parents look like some real winners.

First off, 14 root canals on baby teeth is criminal. Fuck, kids only have 20 baby teeth, for a short amount of time. That is a total parental fail. Dumb fucks need to be sterilized. Can't imagine what their house looks like.

Dumb asses.