According to typical guidelines in dental practice, which action is a clear basis for dismissing a patient from care?

• A. doesn't pay fees
• B. repeatedly a no show
• C. has a personality/ behavior conflict
• D. under the influence

Answer: (B)

Repeatedly missing scheduled appointments with no notice is a straightforward breach of the practice’s appointment policy and has a direct impact on the ability to provide timely care to other patients. Dental offices rely on scheduled time to deliver care efficiently, and when a patient consistently no-shows, slots go unused and the flow of treatment for everyone else is disrupted. Because a practice can set reasonable policies and terminate the patient relationship for violations of those policies, this behavior is recognized as a clear basis for dismissal. Financial issues, while serious, are generally handled through billing and collections with proper notice and opportunities to arrange payment. Interpersonal conflicts can be managed through improved communication and behavior guidelines, and being under the influence raises safety concerns that may require immediate action in specific instances, but the routine, predictable basis for dismissal that is widely accepted is repeated no-shows.