A dentist wishes to terminate the treatment relationship with an existing patient. What is the dentist's minimum continuing obligation during the transition period?

When properly terminating a patient relationship (with adequate notice allowing the patient time to find alternative care), the dentist's recognized minimum continuing obligation is to remain available for emergency treatment during a reasonable transition period — this distinguishes proper termination from patient abandonment. The dentist isn't required to personally locate a new provider for the patient (though referral assistance is good practice), nor is termination prohibited simply because some treatment plan items remain incomplete, as long as proper notice is given.