A group of parents in San Antonio has filed a lawsuit against Smile Center, a chain of dental clinics, alleging that their children were subjected to unnecessary and excessive treatments so the dental chain could "bilk" millions from Medicaid, according to a story in the San Antonio Express-News.
The lawsuit, which was filed November 8 in Bexar County District Court, alleges "some children suffered physical injuries from dental instruments penetrating through their lips, teeth, and cheeks or gums." The complaint further alleges that Smile Center "subjected these children to its production machine for one primary reason -- to bilk Medicaid for financial gain."
State records show that the six clinics collected more than $55 million from Medicaid from 2008 to 2010, the lawsuit claims. Smile Center said it received $35 million in Medicaid reimbursements in that time frame.
Stephen Simpton, owner of Smile Center, has denied the allegations, calling them "frivolous and unfounded," according to the Express-News.
In fact, Smile Center has countersued the law firm representing the parents, as well as the companies that own and operate television station WOAI -- which has done a series of investigative reports on Smile Center -- and a reporter who works for WOAI. The dental chain seeks $50 million in damages.
