The Dentist-Patient relationship can be terminated in many different ways, but must always be handled in such a manner as to not cause the Dentist to abandon a Patient.  It is the timing of termination that is key.

The Dentist-Patient relationship can be terminated by the Patient at any time.  However, if the Dentist is going to unilaterally terminate the relationship, the Dentist must consider several factors such as timing and the Patient’s dental health.  The Dentist should provide the Patient with adequate notice that the relationship will end and should not terminate the relationship if the Patient is in pain or during a phase of treatment that will cause the Patient irreversible harm or worsen the patient’s dental condition.  In limited circumstances it is possible for a Dentist to immediately terminate the relationship and refuse to continue to see the patient, even for emergency care, such as if a Patient has been physically violent with a staff member.   Otherwise, any termination initiated by the Dentist should be done in writing and offer to continue to provide emergency care for a period of thirty (30) days.

There are many considerations when deciding to terminate the Dentist-Patient relationship and the attorneys at Thomas Law Group can help advise a client through that process.