How To Dismiss A Dental Patient

Coming to terms with the fact that you may need to dismiss a dental patient can be awkward and unpleasant. However, whether it’s due to personality clashes, behavioral issues, or even non-compliance with treatment, it may sometimes become a necessary challenge to face. Once you’ve decided that dismissing the patient is something that needs to be done, it can be hard to know how to proceed.

Human nature would lead you down the path of passive aggression, and you may feel tempted just to take the patient off of your schedule. However, this is an issue that will continue to crop up, as even problematic patients have dental emergencies and you’ll be the first one they’ll call!

This is why a dismissal letter has been proven to be the best course of action. We know it’s uncomfortable and not at all fun to tell someone that they aren’t welcome back in your office, but it will be worth it in the end. Dismissal letters are short and to-the-point, just letting the patient know that you will no longer be his or her dentist of record. In addition, you’ll want to reiterate any treatment the patient may still need and urge them to seek treatment elsewhere.

You may wonder if you can dismiss a patient who is still in the middle of a specific treatment at your office. Generally, the answer is that you can dismiss the patient as long as any treatment you’ve started has been completed. Even if more treatment still needs to be completed on other teeth in the future. If you have any doubts, however, please contact your state’s board of dentistry and have them advise you.

While the process of dismissing a patient can be stressful, dealing with a problematic patient can cause even more long-term stress. Your time can be better spent with patients who appreciate your staff and your hard work!

Call CTC National today for any dental consulting services, dental start-up services, and more.