Ethics & Law · single question

A dentist may ethically dismiss a patient from the practice in all of the following situations EXCEPT:

The patient is non-compliant with recommended home care and treatment
The patient is in the middle of an active course of treatment with no arrangement for continuing care
The patient repeatedly fails to pay for services rendered
The patient repeatedly fails to show for appointments

Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. The patient is in the middle of an active course of treatment with no arrangement for continuing care

A. Persistent non-compliance that makes successful treatment impossible is legitimate grounds for dismissal.
B. Correct (the EXCEPTION). Terminating care mid-treatment without providing emergency coverage and reasonable time to find another provider constitutes PATIENT ABANDONMENT — a breach of duty and a legal liability. Proper dismissal requires written notice, continued emergency care for a reasonable period (commonly ~30 days), and records transfer.
C. Non-payment is legitimate grounds for dismissal with proper notice.
D. Chronic no-shows are legitimate grounds for dismissal, provided proper written notice is given.

More Ethics & Law practice questions