Bakhtiyari

I. Factual Background

Plaintiff and Defendant are both dentists with active practices in the city of Manhattan Beach. Defendant’s practice focuses on pediatric dentistry, Plaintiff’s practice focuses on “non- invasive and non-extraction orthodontics, temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ) and sleep apnea,” and the two dentists have some patients in common. According to Plaintiff, Defendant has not contacted Plaintiff with any issues or criticism about her work as to any patients, other than fewer than 10 emails during the 17 years they have both been in practice in Manhattan Beach. Nevertheless, Plaintiff contends that for 17 years, Defendant has made statements questioning Plaintiff’s licenses, calling her treatment hocus-pocus, stating that she Plaintiff used outdated appliances, and telling patients that Plaintiff was causing permanent harm to their gums and was not licensed to do orthodontics.

II. Complaint Allegations

Plaintiff filed a complaint against Defendant in July 2023, alleging six causes of action: (1) defamation, (2) slander per se, (3) trade libel/product disparagement, (4) intentional interference with prospective business and economic advantage, (5) negligent…