A dentist decided not to treat the next patient, did not notify the patient, had no obvious reason for refusal, and left the office. This is considered:

Correct answer: D. Abandonment

• A. Negligence involves failure to meet the standard of care during active treatment.
• B. Dismissal is the proper, formal termination of the doctor-patient relationship WITH adequate notice, reason, and referral.
• C. Battery involves performing treatment without patient consent.
• D. Abandonment occurs when a dentist unilaterally ends the relationship without proper notice, without adequate reason, and without ensuring continuity of care — especially when the patient needs treatment. This scenario is abandonment.