Innovative Dental named in defamation lawsuit

Last edited 8:46 a.m., Jan. 24, 2023

Innovative Dental was named as the defendant in a defamation lawsuit filed by a Texas company.

Plaintiff Billy Watson, owner of Brighter Image Lab, alleges Innovative Dental and owner Dr. Grant Olson committed "reckless slander and disparagement" through a YouTube video in which snap-on veneers are mentioned. The suit was filed Jan. 9 in the Western District of Missouri Southern Division.

"Specifically, the subject video makes many false statements, including but not limited to, that plaintiff’s snap-on veneers aren’t really veneers, are constructed of plastic and 3D printed in a lab or a basement, are not a fabricated, permanent restoration and are a temporary fix," the lawsuit reads. "Such statements are literally and objectively false and deceptively misleading."

In a Facebook post yesterday, Innovative Dental acknowledged the lawsuit after it was first reported by the Springfield News-Leader.

"Unfortunately, we are unable to comment any further at this time," the Facebook post reads.

In the Nov. 3 YouTube video, called "The Ugly Truth About 'Veneers,'” Olson does not directly name the business, but says it's "a company out of Texas. I won't name the names, but you know who you are." Olson in the video says snap-on veneers are temporary fixes that aren't worth the money.

The video has received more than 8,600 views.

The lawsuit further states that "Brighter Image Lab provides a competitive threat to traditional dental providers by providing the same, similar or even better results at a much lower cost in money and more conveniently."

The lawsuit alleges Olson's video has caused monetary damages to Brighter Image Lab of more than $75,000. Damages are being sought.