Minnesota Dental Jurisprudence Practice Exam

Is it acceptable behavior to write a patient a letter dismissing them from the practice?

1. Yes

2. No

3. Only with prior notice

4. Only in case of non-payment

The correct answer is: Yes

Writing a patient a letter dismissing them from a dental practice can be an acceptable course of action under certain circumstances. The key rationale lies in the fundamental principles of patient care and the dentist's obligation to maintain a safe and effective practice environment. When a dentist feels that the patient-dentist relationship has deteriorated or is no longer beneficial for either party, it is within professional standards to formally dismiss the patient. The letter should be composed in a professional manner, clearly stating the reasons for dismissal, and providing adequate notice to the patient for them to find alternative care. This process helps ensure that the patient is not left without dental care, thus addressing potential issues that could arise from abandonment claims. While it might be anticipated in some situations to notify the patient of dismissal in advance or for specific reasons like non-payment, the core principle is that dismissal can be professional and warranted based on the circumstances surrounding the patient relationship. Emphasizing transparency and professional conduct, it's vital that when dismissing a patient, a practice adheres to ethical guidelines while safeguarding both the patient's and dentist's interests.