| (a) A dentist, without reasonable cause, shall not abandon
a dental patient. Once a dentist has undertaken a course of treatment, the
dentist, absent reasonable cause, shall not discontinue that treatment without
giving the patient adequate notice and the opportunity to obtain the services
of another dentist. A dentist shall exercise the level of care necessary to
prevent jeopardizing the patient's oral health during this process.
(b) Under this section, a dentist shall give a minimum of 30
days written notice of his/her intent to discontinue undertaken treatment.
Notice shall be either hand-delivered to the patient or sent via certified
mail, return receipt requested to the patient's last known address, with the
dentist retaining a copy of the notice letter in the patient's file along
with proof of service. Adequate notice shall include the following:
(1) a short description of the patient's current status, including
the patient's current diagnosis and a summary of the patient's current treatment
plan;
(2) a short description of the patient's present and future
needs;
(3) an explanation regarding the consequences of non-treatment;
(4) a recommendation that the patient continue care with another
dentist; and
(5) a clear statement emphasizing that the dentist is available
to provide any emergency treatment necessary to prevent patient harm during
the 30-day period.
(c) A dentist shall remain reasonably available to render any
emergency treatment necessary under (b)(5) of this section for up to 30 days
from the date of such notice.
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