Dental Assistant Fired For Being 'Irresistible' Is 'Devastated'

http://gma/yahoo.com ^ | December 23, 2012 | ABC News

[NKP_Vet]

After working as a dental assistant for ten years, Melissa Nelson was fired for being too "irresistible" and a "threat" to her employer's marriage.

"I think it is completely wrong," Nelson said. "I think it is sending a message that men can do whatever they want in the work force."

On Friday, the all-male Iowa State Supreme Court ruled that James Knight, Nelson's boss, was within his legal rights when he fired her, affirming the decision of a lower court.

"We do think the Iowa Supreme Court got it completely right," said Stuart Cochrane, an attorney for James Knight. "Our position has always been Mrs. Nelson was never terminated because of her gender, she was terminated because of concerns her behavior was not appropriate in the workplace. She's an attractive lady. Dr. Knight found her behavior and dress to be inappropriate."

[Bratch]

That picture.

I don't believe it's who you think it is.

Melissa Nelson

Melissa has been a music lover all her life ~ she started singing out loud to Disney tunes in the car as a toddler and just kept on signing. She was cast in the Pinnacle High School musical “Annie” show at 8 years old to play “Molly”, and has since had many key roles and performance opportunities at Desert Stages, Desert Foothills Theater, Missoula Theater Academy, and Power Chord Academy.

In addition to her vocal talent, Melissa picked up a ukulele last December, determined to use this small instrument to accompany her love of singing ~ and has recently begun to also teach herself guitar in her spare time using multi media resources.

Melissa studies voice with Martha Lindsey and Kevin Glenn. She recently placed 1st at the Hot Pipes vocal competition in her age division, winning a spot in the finals on September 26th. Melissa also runs varsity cross country, dances at Cave Creek Dance Academy, she is a member of the drama club, ‘Improv’ team, and the brand new ‘Singular Sensations’ Advanced Performance Team.

Melissa feels so fortunate that she has had a life of great opportunity and good fortune so she is able to express her joy in music.

[Doogle]

...as I said in Post #29

[FreeFromWhat]

Poor gal. I think I might be able to find a position for her.

Just one?

No, but seriously, this is one of those cases in which while I agree with the law, I just want to punch someone, preferably James Knight, D.D.S. Dude's a pig.

[Tex-Con-Man]

My ex-wife was a dental assistant for most of her career life, and I had a long time girlfriend that worked in a dental office.

I heard all kind of stories about dental offices and my take away was...there is usually 1 male dentist and the rest of the staff is female. If the dentist's wife isn't there every day running the office, the competition amongst the females is fierce. The young attractive ones have to be careful of the older staff because they will do anything to protect their seniority. If the dentist starts paying too much attention to some young nubile assistant...she will be driven out of the practice by her jealous colleagues. And they can be brutal.

The dentist may think it's his practice, but, without question, the women run it.

[FreeFromWhat]

Refusing to dress modestly, talking to people at an inappropriate distance are two things that come to mind.

I'm not a doctor but every dental hygienist I've ever dealt with was wearing scrubs. Do you have some reason to believe she was "refusing to dress modestly"?

[Berlin_Freeper]

Why do they call it practice?

I want a dentist who doesn’t need practice!

[gnarledmaw]

I dont know any who where scrubs...

[gnarledmaw]

I dont know any who wear scrubs...

[FreeFromWhat]

The dentist may think it's his practice, but, without question, the women run it.

Ahh... so, it's a microcosm of life in general then?

[iowamark]

[FreeFromWhat]

I dont know any who wear scrubs..

If someone who wasn't wearing scrubs tried to stick their hands in my mouth I'd be pretty concerned.

[Slump Tester]

"... not from hotness, but from proximity."

So you're saying he has a proximity fuse? I think Clinton has one of those too.

[muawiyah]

The corporate giant worked hand in glove with the employee ~ and for the sake of family comity he had to get rid of her.

That's not sexual harassment at all.

This case is about the limits of the various theories advanced for punishing an employer ~ and it looks like this is just over the limit.

We do not have a situation here where a deep pockets company is allowing a boss to run wild teasing the girls.

[FreeFromWhat]

This case is about the limits of the various theories advanced for punishing an employer ~ and it looks like this is just over the limit.

"Just over the limit" sounds about right. But not by much.

[imardmd1]

Or maybe she should look for a woman dentist next time for a boss.

Male patients?

[driftdiver]

huh? project much?

[Safetgiver]

Drill, baby, drill!!!!

[IslamE]

Adulterer much?

[driftdiver]

Judge much? Insult much?

You need to pray

[IslamE]

Short fuse, go have an affair, or break up a family, like the good dentist, I mean she was asking for it, tight clothes and all, I’m sure her kids wouldn’t mind nor her husband, it’s all the rage, divorce too!