Golden-based Colorado School of Mines abruptly closed its dental clinic as part of a broader 1% staff reduction, 9NEWS reported July 9.
The clinic, which had operated since 1999 to provide dental services to students, was shut down June 3. Staff, which included a dentist, hygienist and dental assistant, said they were locked out of electronic health records that morning and that some students were cut off mid-treatment with incomplete care plans.
The closure came as the university laid off 1% of its staff, which Emilie Rusch, the university’s director of communications, attributed to changing enrollment patterns and complexities in higher education.
Colorado WINS 1876, a union representing state employees, said the university violated its contract by failing to provide written notification at least 55 days before the layoffs. The university disputed the claim, saying it notified the union May 22 — 67 days before the effective layoff date of July 28, when employees will stop being paid. Staff were placed on paid administrative leave June 3.
The union also said the closure violated professional norms that would have ensured continuity of care for patients, and that no prior consultation was given to discuss alternatives to layoffs.
Employees and students have called on Dean Derek Morgan and Vice President Braelin Pantel to host a town hall to discuss the closure. The university said the student health center will help students obtain referrals to local providers.
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