Employees claim they missed paychecks after Texas dental practice abruptly closed

Following the closure of Garden Oaks, Texas-based Signature Smiles Jan. 20, employees claim they have not received their paychecks, according to The Leader.

Receptionist Avery Techeira and fellow employee Jacqueline Diaz claim there is no inkling that they will be paid for their work the weeks prior to the practice closing.

When Signatures Smiles closed, 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. Dr. Lee filed for bankruptcy in December.

Information from the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners by The Leader also suggests that the practice may have violated state laws with its handling of patient records. Texas State Board of Dental Examiners Executive Director Boyd Bush recommends patients obtain an attorney if they believe they are owed money by Signature Smiles. He reminds patients that they are entitled to copies of their dental records.

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