To properly terminate the patient-doctor relationship, what must a licensed dentist provide to the patient?

To properly terminate the patient-doctor relationship, a licensed dentist must provide written notice and emergency treatment. This requirement ensures that the patient is formally informed of the termination in a clear and documented manner, which is vital for maintaining professional standards and protecting the patient’s rights. The written notice serves as a record of the termination, outlining any necessary information regarding the transition of care.

Additionally, providing emergency treatment is crucial because it safeguards the patient’s health and well-being during the transition. Dentists have an ethical obligation to ensure that patients do not suffer adverse consequences as a result of the termination of their relationship. This responsibility may include offering emergency services or ensuring that the patient has access to ongoing care elsewhere, if immediate assistance is needed.

While other options may include various forms of communication or financial considerations, they do not adequately address the ethical requirements of proper termination as stipulated in dental practice guidelines. The combination of written notice and provision of emergency treatment best fulfills the legal and ethical responsibilities of the dentist in this context.