JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — For the second day, protestors stood outside Dr. Howard Schneider's office on the Southside Wednesday, waving signs that claim the pediatric dentist hurt their children while in his care.
Hours later, Schneider spoke out for the first time from the steps of his home in Riverside.
“I am very pissed off. That's the only word I can use,” Schneider told Action News. “I'm a good dentist. I do nothing wrong. I give these kids the best treatment. Somebody started a deal and they're preying on it. And I'm tired of it.”
Action News broke the story Wednesday, that the state Attorney General’s Office has an active criminal investigation against Schneider, something he said he knows nothing about.
“I haven't done anything. I don't know about a criminal thing,” Schneider said.
The details of that investigation have not been made public, but Action News cameras were there as Jacksonville Sheriff's Office detectives also met with parents outside Schneider’s office Wednesday.
Action News law and safety expert Dale Carson says any investigation will take time.
“This tells me the state and law enforcement are taking notice, but it still has to be determined whether a violation actually occurred. We don't want to make allegations against people when they're not true.”
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Protestor and parent of a former patient, Justine King, said parents can’t afford to wait.
“I hope that they freeze him and not let him work on any more kids until the investigation is complete and his doors are closed,” King said.
Action News has confirmed that a local law firm is working with parents who have questions about Schneider’s billing practices.
According to court records, Schneider was the defendant in two professional malpractice suits in Duval County in 1995.
A spokesperson for the Florida Department of Children and Families say the law prevents the agency from releasing any information on past or current investigations into abuse, unless a child dies. We received the following additional comment from DCF’s Northeast Region Communications Director, John Harrell Wednesday:
"The Florida Department of Children and Families does have the legal authority to investigate abuse and neglect of children by parents, caregivers such as relatives, and teachers or school personnel. The law does not give DCF the authority to investigate allegations involving doctors or dentists. We would encourage parents to contact law enforcement or the appropriate regulatory agencies if they have concerns regarding their children in these settings."
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The Florida Academy of Pediatric Dentistry gave the following statement concerning the recent allegations about Dr. Schneider, who is a current member:
"We believe that all children deserve to be treated in a loving and safe manner. Their health, safety and well-being are our top priority. We are aware of the allegations in the Jacksonville case and extend our deepest sympathy to all involved. However, we are unable to make further comments at this time until a full investigation has been completed," said Julie Russo, D.M.D. President of the Florida Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
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