In addition to a claim for abandonment a patient may have against a dentist for improperly terminating the dentist patient relationship, the Ohio State Dental Board may take the position that abandonment of a patient is grounds for discipline under Ohio law for violating the standard of care. Dentists should take care to properly terminate the dentist patient relationship when they believe it is necessary, referring to the Ohio State Dental Board policy 4-07 Termination of the Dentist-Patient Relationship. Policy 4-07 states “that the following elements should be satisfied prior to terminating the dentist-patient relationship:
1. All efforts should be made to give the patient sufficient notice of termination of dental services.
2. All efforts should be made to stabilize the patient’s dental condition and not place the patient’s dental health in immediate jeopardy.
3. Upon written request, a copy of all records should be made available to the patient or the subsequent treating practitioner.”

The attorneys at Thomas Law Group can help you determine if a patient should be terminated and guide you when terminating that relationship to ensure that you have complied with the Ohio State Dental Board’s policies.