Here are three lawsuit settlements involving dental companies that Becker's has reported on since Nov. 29:
1. Aspen Dental agreed to a settlement to resolve claims that it violated Florida telemarketing laws. Under the terms of the settlement, Florida consumers who received a text message from Aspen Dental between July 1, 2021, and Feb. 20, 2024, are eligible to receive a portion of the net settlement fund. The net settlement amount was not disclosed, but each claimant is estimated to receive $87.45.
2. The Washington Dental Quality Assurance Commission and Steven Kim, DDS, entered into an agreed order on Dr. Kim's dental license. As part of the settlement, Dr. Kim must pay a $5,000 fine and reimburse the commission $2,335.12. In addition, Dr. Kim will be subject to two unannounced infection control inspections each year for two years. He must also contract with an outside vendor to manage infection control in his office and complete 30 hours of continuing education on infection control and emergency management.
3. Coon Rapids, Minn.-based PL Dental reached a settlement agreement after firing Christina Vescio-Holland because of her pregnancy. As part of the settlement, PL Dental is required to take action to prevent future unlawful discrimination, including providing inclusivity training to employees and enforcing anti-discrimination policies. They are also required to submit regular reports to the state's human rights department to ensure compliance. The dental clinic will also pay Ms. Vescio-Holland $97,500, the equivalent to three years of wages.