A patient who received a tooth extraction yesterday is now rude with the office staff and has not paid their bill. Can the dentist DISMISS this patient?

Correct answer: A. No — the patient just had an extraction and requires post-operative care; dismissal now would constitute abandonment

• A. Correct. A patient who HAD AN EXTRACTION YESTERDAY is in an active post-operative care phase. Dismissing them at this point — before the extraction site has healed — constitutes ABANDONMENT, which is illegal and unethical. The dentist must complete the post-operative care. Dismissal can occur AFTER the acute treatment episode is complete, with written notice and appropriate transition time.
• B. Non-payment is not grounds for immediate dismissal during active care — financial disputes are resolved separately from patient safety.
• C. Rudeness is grounds for eventual dismissal, but NOT during active post-operative care — this would be abandonment.
• D. Proper dismissal (not abandonment) requires written notice, reason, and adequate transition time — but cannot occur during active treatment.