PORTLAND (AP) — The U.S. Labor Department has sued a Bath dentist for allegedly retaliating against two hygienists who complained about improper infection-control procedures at the practice.

The suit filed against Dr. Tammy Cook, the owner of Bath Family Dental, seeks lost wages, benefits and damages for hygienists Dorothy Shafran and Chelsea Huntington.

The suit says the hygienists told Cook they were concerned about perceived failures to decontaminate treatment rooms and the failure to wash hands or wear gloves.

The suit says during a federal inspection of the practice, Cook said she knew who made the complaint and said she would fire them. When reminded of whistleblower protections, she allegedly said she would fire them for other reasons.

Cook’s lawyer tells The Portland Press Herald that the allegations are without merit.