May 30, 2018 (PALM DESERT, CA) – A Palm Desert dentist on trial for multiple claims of discrimination and wrongful termination, is also accused of using un-sanitized tools and risking the health and safety of his patients. The case is expected to be heard in California Superior Court in Palm Springs on Friday, May 4, 2018.
Gregg Balis, who has been a practicing dentistry in Palm Desert for nearly 30 years, is being sued by his former office manager, Jennifer Evans, in a 27-page civil complaint. In the complaint, Evans claims that in 2015 one of the dental hygienists in Balis’ office was not properly cleaning and sanitizing the instruments after each use. Such cleaning is required by the regulations of the California Dental Board. When Evans raised her concerns with Balis, the dentist took no action and continued to employ the hygienist.
“Ms. Evans worked closely with Dr. Balis for more than 25 years and possessed a deep understanding of the rules and regulations established by the California Dental Board,” said attorney Arnold Peter, who is representing Evans. “The fact that Dr. Balis thoroughly dismissed these claims of using unsanitary instruments is very troubling and raises questions about his dental practice that could potentially have put the broader public at risk.”
According to the complaint, Evans was especially concerned because one of the patients being treated in the office had voluntarily shared that he was HIV positive. Following an investigation, Evans advised the dentist to immediately terminate the hygienist and, in compliance with the rules of the California Dental Board, urged Balis notify all patients who may have potentially been exposed so they could be tested for any diseases or infections.
“I did everything possible to get Dr. Balis to comply with his professional obligations as soon as I discovered the use of unsanitary dental instruments,” stated Ms. Evans. “However, Dr. Balis made the decision to retain the hygienist and refused to notify patients who were potentially exposed, so they could be tested and treated for possible HIV infection.”
Dr. Balis was initially sued by Evans in 2015 for a series of violations including retaliation, wrongful termination, discrimination based on age, and failure to pay final wages.
