A dentist can dismiss a patient in all the following situations EXCEPT:

Correct answer: D. Payment failure

• A. Being the only dentist in an area does create a special ethical obligation to not abandon patients who need emergency care — but this IS listed as a valid reason for NOT dismissing, making it a restriction on dismissal (correct per the source).
• B. Persistent patient harassment of dental staff IS a valid reason to dismiss a patient from practice, provided proper notice and transition to care are provided.
• C. Repeated failure to attend appointments IS a valid reason to dismiss a patient, as it disrupts practice management and patient care.
• D. PAYMENT FAILURE ALONE is NOT a valid justification to dismiss a patient in ALL circumstances — particularly if the patient is in the middle of active treatment. Dismissing a patient solely because they cannot pay, without appropriate notice and care transition, can constitute patient abandonment. The ADA Code requires that dentists not dismiss patients for failure to pay without proper alternative arrangements for ongoing care.