What Should be in a Dentist Leaving the Practice Letter

Hi, I’m attorney Renee Osipov with Chelle Law here in Scottsdale, Arizona. We draft employment agreements, policies, and patient letters for dentists within their practice. If you’re watching this video, there are probably multiple dentists in your practice in which one of them has decided to either retire or leave the geographical area. The best way to communicate this information to your patients is via letter. The letter should at least give the patients 30 days prior notice to the change. The letter itself should also notify them of the change with the dentist leaving the practice, and then reassure them of quality care within your group itself. It’s also important to let them know that they have the option of obtaining their dental records, should they choose to leave your clinic and they can go elsewhere. You can also provide them with a dental health record release form as well.

And then, depending on the situation, you may want to give them the contact information for the dentist that’s leaving the practice, but again, that’s optional depending on the reason for their departure. And then lastly, you’ll want to add an apology for any inconvenience and just reassure them that the continuity of care will continue. As you know, each situation is completely unique and here at Chelle Law, we also help draft those letters for dentists within their practice. You can check out our website, it’s Chelle Law, C H E L L E law.com. On our website, you’ll also find out information on how to contact us. We’re happy to set up a consultation where we can discuss your unique needs within your dental practice. Thank you.