To avoid allegations of abandonment, what is the recommended termination action?

• A. 30 day notice termination
• B. give clients info to new dentist
• C. never terminate while client is in pain or treatment
• D. send written letter in main

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that ending a patient relationship must be done with a clear, advance plan that safeguards the patient’s access to care. Providing a 30-day notice gives the patient time to find another dentist and arrange for treatment without abrupt cessation, which helps prevent claims of abandonment. During that period, you should also facilitate the transition by offering to transfer records to the new clinician and provide information about the next steps for continuing care. This formal notice creates a documented, ethical process that demonstrates you’re prioritizing the patient’s ongoing health rather than abruptly ending care. Other options fall short because they don’t establish a firm transition timeframe or fail to ensure continuity of care (for example, just sharing a referral without a notice period), or they rely on a blanket restriction (such as ending care during pain or mid-treatment) that can expose you to abandonment concerns if not clinically justified and properly managed.