Detroit dental practice abruptly closes, leaves employees without paychecks

Employees at Detroit-based Deliver Dental Solutions were notified March 5 that the practice would be closing by March 23, according to local ABC affiliate WXYZ.

After receiving the noticed, employees allegedly learned their health benefits were suspended, unemployment claims were denied, and their paychecks were halted. Staff claimed to have received this email:

"Due to circumstances beyond our control, we have just learned that our secured lenders have directed advantage to freeze all payments due [to] DDS at this time. As a result, DDS is unavailable to meet its payroll requirements. We are working with our lenders to secure adequate funding but at this time we are unable to provide any additional information. We apologize for the impact that this will have on everyone."

Employees claim the practice has been in financial trouble for a while, but the practice failed to keep them informed. One employee said he or she is missing $2,000 from his or her 401K.

Other employees are also facing hardship as they try to apply for unemployment. Because DDS never reported employee earnings in 2018, the unemployment agency has been denying requests.

DDS employed more than 65 people, including dental assistants, attending providers, general dentists, front desk staff, administrative staff and contract employees.

In a statement to WXYZ, co-owner Tom Rose said, "I've communicated with [employees] directly and continue to do so." He provided no additional comment.

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