---
title: "What Is Patient dismissal? Dental Practice Glossary"
description: "Patient dismissal is the formal, documented end of the dentist-patient relationship by the practice, done in a way that does not abandon a patient who needs care."
url: https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/patient-dismissal
publisher: Copeland Consulting Services
email: drcopeland@joncopelanddds.com
contact: https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/contact
---

Practice management

# Patient dismissal

Patient dismissal is the formal, documented end of the dentist-patient relationship by the practice, done in a way that does not abandon a patient who needs care.

The ADA says a dentist has the right to dismiss a patient when differences cannot be resolved or the dentist cannot accept the patient's behavior in the practice, as long as the dismissal is not for a legally impermissible discriminatory reason. It advises checking state law and the state dental practice act for requirements, including how many days the dentist must remain available to that patient for emergencies. Owners should ask an attorney to review their steps. Many practices send a written notice. A clear [cancellation policy](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/cancellation-policy) and good [patient communication](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/patient-communication) can prevent some cases.

[Next stepPractice consulting with Dr. Copeland](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/contact?topic=consulting)

## Related terms

-   [Cancellation policy](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/cancellation-policy)
-   [Patient communication](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/patient-communication)
-   [Informed consent](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/informed-consent)
-   [Patient experience](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/patient-experience)

## Sources

1.  [ADA, Managing Patients Dismissal](https://www.ada.org/resources/practice/practice-management/managing-patients-dismissal)

## Talk with Dr. Copeland

[Contact Dr. Copeland](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/contact)[Email](mailto:drcopeland@joncopelanddds.com)