5 Reasons to Fire a Patient

It may sound odd, but some situations arise where dentists may have to fire their patients. If a patient is unsatisfied with the treatment being provided to them, they have all the rights to seek care elsewhere. Similarly, if a dentist finds issues with their patient's behavior, there's nothing wrong in asking the patient to seek treatment elsewhere.

However, as a dentist, you've made a promise to help all people in your capacity. Therefore, there needs to be a good reason for you to refuse treatment, or else you may find yourself in legal trouble. Here are some valid conditions in which you can fire a patient.

1. Non-Compliant Patients: A patient's responsibility to listen to their dentist's instructions as closely as possible. If they fail to do so, they put their own life at risk. Therefore, if a patient isn't complying with you or your treatment, it is a valid reason to fire them.
2. Not Paying Fees: When the patients fail to pay their fees due to whatever reasons, it may become difficult to keep up with the cost of their treatments.
3. Failure to Keep Appointments: If your patients continue to miss appointments or are always late and causing issues with your other appointments, you can tell them to either fix their behavior or seek another dentist.
4. Rude Behavior with You or Your Staff: This one is non-negotiable. If a patient has a rude or threatening behavior towards you or your staff, you can instantly refuse to assist them any further.
5. Closing Your Practice or Retiring: If you're closing your practice or retiring, you can not treat your patient anymore. You can, however, redirect long-term patients to a different dentist if possible.

If you find yourself in any of these situations, it is entirely acceptable to fire a patient without guilt or hard feelings.

If you reside in Utah, Colorado, Arizona, or New Mexico, consider visiting CTC Associates now.