Former patients of now defunct Signature Smiles in Houston say they are scrambling after the practice closed with no notice, according to The Leader News.
Signature Smiles abruptly closed Jan. 20. Multiple patients said that the practice did not give them any warning although the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners requires dentists to provide patients at least 30 days written notice of their intent to discontinue treatment. Some patients said they have been unable to recoup payments for treatments they have not received yet.
Founder of the practice Terry Lee, DDS, and the affiliate of Signature Smiles Alliance Surgery Center are currently being sued for allegedly defaulting on payments for more than $95,000 in medical equipment. U.S. Bank Equipment Finance filed the lawsuit in November 2019, reports The Leader News. Dr. Lee filed for bankruptcy in December.
Signature Smiles employed five dentists. Now a few of them are working with other local dental practices to ensure patients get the care the need and paid for.
Dr. Lee's attorney and the trustee in the bankruptcy case did not respond to The Leader News' request for comment.