What could happen if a dentist refuses to complete treatment because the patient will not pay?

Refusing to complete treatment solely based on a patient not being able to pay raises serious ethical and legal concerns in the field of dentistry. Dentists have an obligation to provide care to patients, and abandoning a patient mid-treatment can be considered a violation of their professional responsibilities.

If a dentist refuses to complete treatment, they may face disciplinary action from the state dental board or other regulatory agencies. Ethical guidelines in the medical and dental fields emphasize the importance of patient care and maintaining a standard of practice that prioritizes patient welfare. Such behaviors can lead to investigations and possible sanctions, which may include fines, loss of licensure, or other penalties.

In contrast, while a lawsuit may be a possibility, it is not an immediate consequence tied explicitly to the refusal of treatment based on non-payment. The dental ethics guidelines encourage practitioners to explore all options, such as payment plans or communicating financial constraints, before making a decision to stop treatment. Therefore, it is critical for dentists to navigate these situations carefully to avoid disciplinary actions.