Couple sues Allcare Dental, dentist for age discrimination

CHARLESTON -- A Southside couple is suing Allcare Dental Management and a Kanawha County dentist for violations of the West Virginia Human Rights Act.

Debra L. Leslie was employed by Allcare Dental Management from May 29, 2007, until March 31, 2009, as a dental assistant, according to a complaint filed March 18 in Kanawha Circuit Court.

Leslie claims she and other employees heard Dr. Amy Tongsiri say on numerous occasions that she wanted to hire younger girls with little or no experience who would work for less money.

During a medical absence, Leslie learned that Tongsiri had told other employees she wanted to replace Leslie with a younger employee, according to the suit.

On March 31, Leslie was discharged from her employment. She claims the defendants discharged her because of her age.

Leslie claims the defendants' illegal age discrimination caused her to suffer money damages, severe emotional distress and humiliation, which has caused her to suffer physical illness.

Leslie and her husband, Fred C. Leslie, are seeking compensatory and punitive damages. They are being represented by Mark W. Carbone.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge James C. Stucky.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 10-C-513