What is the Board's stance on patient abandonment?

• A. Dentists may abandon patients if care is discontinued with notice
• B. Dentists may abandon patients at any time with no notice
• C. Dentists must not abandon patients; if discontinuing care, arrange appropriate referral or transition
• D. Abandonment is allowed in emergencies

Answer: (C)

The key idea is the duty to maintain patient welfare and continuity of care. Dentists should not leave patients without a plan when they discontinue care. The best choice captures this by saying you must not abandon patients and, if you stop treating someone, you should arrange an appropriate referral or transition to another provider. This ensures the patient can access ongoing care, have their records transferred, and receive a smooth handoff to someone who can continue treatment.

Options that allow abandonment—whether with notice, with no notice, or even in emergencies—don’t meet that duty. Simply giving notice without arranging a proper transition can still leave the patient without necessary care, and doing so without any plan is ethically and professionally unacceptable. Even in emergencies, the expectation is to provide or arrange appropriate care rather than abandon the patient.