Fired University of Kentucky dentistry dean files whistle-blower lawsuit

Lexington-based University of Kentucky School of Dentistry's former dean is suing the school, claiming he was unlawfully fired, according to the Courier Journal.

Stephanos Kyrkanides, DDS, alleges the university and provost, David Blackwell, fired him in retaliation after the dentist raised concerns about improprieties at the dental school, including employee theft and improper salary calculations.

The university removed Dr. Kyrkanides from his position in January, and he was placed on sabbatical.

The university said the dean was later fired due to poor performance, but Dr. Kyrkanides claims he had received "excellent" performance reviews.

"Provost David Blackwell removed professor Kyrkanides from the administrative position of dean for poor performance, and his allegations are completely without merit," a university spokesperson told the Journal. "The university has addressed, or is addressing, all of the issues raised in his complaint, which professor Kyrkanides failed to resolve himself when he was serving as dean."

In his complaint, Dr. Kykranides accuses the university of covering up theft in the dental school. The dentist said he warned Mr. Blackwell that gold crowns were being stolen by dental school employees,but the provost ignored the issue.

Dr. Kykranides also alleges he blew the whistle on improper salary calculations at the university and brought up concerns about underrepresented minority students, but Mr. Blackwell ignored those concerns as well.

This is not the only lawsuit Dr. Kykranides is involved in regarding the university. He previously was a defendant in a suit filed by university professor Raynor Mullins, DDS. Dr. Mullins claimed the former dean illegally fired him after he made comments that were critical of the governor of Kentucky.

Dr. Kykranides case against the university does not name Dr. Mullins. The dentist is seeking to be reinstated as well as $7.5 million in damages for embarrassment and humiliation and $10 million in punitive damages.

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