How to Dismiss a Dental Patient

How to Dismiss a Dental Patient

Dismissing a dental patient is one of the most uncomfortable situations a practice can face, but it is sometimes necessary to protect your team, your patients, and your business. In this episode, we break down when dismissal is appropriate, how to handle it correctly, and what your practice should document to reduce legal and reputation risk. You will learn the difference between a proper dismissal and patient abandonment, how to communicate expectations before it gets to that point, and what a dismissal letter should include so the process is clear, professional, and defensible.

What We Cover

• The most common reasons dental practices dismiss patients
• How to identify patterns early before they become bigger problems
• The difference between dismissal and abandonment, and why it matters
• How to document behavior, missed appointments, and communication properly
• The right way to notify a patient and set clear timelines
• What to include in a patient dismissal letter
• How to reduce risk while staying ethical and professional
• How to protect staff from abusive or unsafe behavior

Key Takeaways

• A dismissal process should be consistent, documented, and based on written policy
• Avoid emotionally charged conversations and keep communication neutral
• Do not dismiss a patient while active treatment is underway without a proper transition period
• A strong dismissal letter includes timelines, record transfer instructions, and emergency coverage terms
• Proper documentation is your best protection if the patient complains or disputes the dismissal

Who This Episode Is For

• Dental practice owners
• Office managers
• Front desk teams
• Treatment coordinators
• Anyone responsible for patient communication and policy enforcement

Practical Next Step

Review your practice’s current policy for missed appointments, payment expectations, and abusive behavior. If you do not have one written down, this episode gives you the framework to build it.

Read the blog post: How to Dismiss a Dental Patient