Here are four of the most prominent lawsuits:
1. Texas dentist facing more charges in child pornography case, $10M civil lawsuit
In January 2021, a civil lawsuit was filed against Jason White, DDS, for at least $10 million for allegedly sexually assaulting a minor. He was also charged by the state of Texas with sexual performance by a child, and he faced a federal charge of receipt and distribution of child pornography. In January 2022, he was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison.
2. Henry Schein to settle $38.5M proposed class-action lawsuit with Patterson & Benco
In August 2018, dental suppliers Henry Schein, Patterson Companies and Benco Dental Supply Company entered discussions to settle a class-action lawsuit alleging the companies agreed not to compete on prices for dental products. In February 2019, the companies reached an $80 million settlement.
3. Florida university to pay $5.5M to settle lawsuit over unsterile dental tools
Davie, Fla.-based Nova Southeastern University agreed to pay $5.5 million to settle a class-action lawsuit in March 2021 after students at its postgraduate orthodontic clinic used improperly sterilized equipment.
4. American Dental Association files lawsuit against Delta Dental
The American Dental Association, along with two individual dentists, filed a lawsuit in November 2019 against insurer Delta Dental alleging it violated antitrust laws and engaged in anticompetitive conduct. The case is still ongoing, and the ADA’s Division of Legal Affairs estimates the earliest the case could go to trial would be sometime in 2024.