A patient is rude to the office manager and refuses to pay after a tooth extraction performed the previous day. Which of the following is a legitimate reason NOT to dismiss this patient from your practice?

Correct answer: A. The patient just had a tooth extraction yesterday

• A. Correct. Dismissing a patient immediately after a surgical procedure such as an extraction — when they are still in the post-operative healing period — would constitute patient abandonment. A dentist must ensure the patient's acute care is complete before ending the provider relationship.
• B. While being the only local provider may raise ethical considerations, the most legally clear-cut reason for not dismissing the patient RIGHT NOW is the post-surgical status.
• C. Patient rudeness, while unpleasant, is not a legal barrier to dismissal if proper notice and continuity of care are ensured.
• D. Inability to pay is not a legal barrier to patient dismissal, though proper notice must be given.