Section 60. General responsibilities to patients

A. A dentist is responsible for conducting his practice in a manner that safeguards the safety, health, and welfare of his patients and the public by:

1. Maintaining a safe and sanitary practice, including containing or isolating pets away from the treatment areas of the dental practice. An exception shall be made for a service dog trained to accompany its owner or handler for the purpose of carrying items, retrieving objects, pulling a wheelchair, alerting the owner or handler to medical conditions, or other such activities of service or support necessary to mitigate a disability.

2. Consulting with or referring patients to other practitioners with specialized knowledge, skills, and experience when needed to safeguard and advance the health of the patient.

3. Treating according to the patient's desires only to the extent that such treatment is within the bounds of accepted treatment and only after the patient has been given a treatment recommendation and an explanation of the acceptable alternatives.

4. Only delegating patient care and exposure of dental x-rays to qualified, properly trained and supervised personnel as authorized in Part III (18VAC60-21-110 et seq.) of this chapter.

5. Giving patients at least 30 days written notice of a decision to terminate the dentist-patient relationship.

6. Knowing the signs of abuse and neglect and reporting suspected cases to the proper authorities consistent with state law.

7. Accurately representing to a patient and the public the materials or methods and techniques to be used in treatment.

B. A dentist is responsible for conducting his financial responsibilities to patients and third party payers in an ethical and honest manner by:

1. Maintaining a listing of customary fees and representing all fees being charged clearly and accurately.

2. Making a full and fair disclosure to his patient of all terms and considerations before entering into a payment agreement for services.

3. Not obtaining, attempting to obtain, or cooperating with others in obtaining payment for services by misrepresenting procedures performed, dates of service, or status of treatment.

4. Making a full and fair disclosure to his patient of any financial incentives he received for promoting or selling products.

5. Not exploiting the dentist-patient relationship for personal gain related in nondental transactions.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 32, Issue 05, eff. December 2, 2015.

Statutory Authority

§ 54.1-2400 of the Code of Virginia.