A former dental assistant filed a lawsuit alleging workplace discrimination and harassment against FL Dental and Aspen Dental Management, according to an Oct. 18 report by the Florida Record.
Cassandra Strickland claims that she was subject to discriminatory treatment based on her race, color and national origin, alleging that her immediate supervisor and coworkers created a hostile work environment.
Ms. Strickland began working as a dental assistant at an Aspen Dental practice on Sept. 28, 2023. She claims that there were two incidents where she was mistreated.
On Oct. 17, 2023, Ms. Strickland attempted to report the issues to human resources, but they were unaddressed. She also requested a transfer to a different practice, which received no follow-up.
The suit alleges multiple counts of discrimination under the Florida Civil Rights Act, retaliation for reporting discriminatory actions and creating a hostile work environment. Ms. Strickland is seeking back pay with benefits adjustments, compensation for emotional distress and personal suffering, reinstatement or front pay if appropriate positions are unavailable, the report said.
FL Dental operates under Aspen Dental Management.
A company spokesperson provided the following statement to Becker's: "Aspen Dental Management is a dental support organization and does not comment on legal matters involving the independent practices it supports."