Oral Health Professionals Who Raised COVID-19 Concerns to Receive Back Pay

A dental hygienist and a dental assistant who were fired by a North Texas dental practice after raising concerns regarding safe practices during the global pandemic will receive more than $15,000 in back pay after an investigation by the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The dental office had asked both employees to return to clinical practice in April of 2020. After the hygienist and assistant asked questions regarding the safety of implementing certain procedures, their employment was terminated. Dallas’ OSHA Regional Administrator Eric S. Harbin stated in a press release, “Like all workers, these two people had every right to speak up without the fear of losing their jobs. We want workers to know that OSHA is here to protect their rights, and we won’t hesitate to exercise our authority when they are violated.” Click here to read more.