A patient is referred to a specialist, and at that location, the patient also received treatment from the hygienist. Who is ultimately responsible for the patient's care?

The referring dentist holds ultimate responsibility for the patient's care, even when the patient receives treatment from other professionals, such as a hygienist at a specialist office. This responsibility arises from the initial relationship established between the referring dentist and the patient. When a dentist refers a patient to a specialist, they often maintain a degree of oversight and accountability for the patient's overall treatment plan and continuity of care.

In scenarios where additional treatments or procedures are conducted by other providers, the referring dentist is expected to ensure that the care aligns with the referral's intent. They play a critical role in coordinating the patient's treatment, weighing the findings from the specialist, and determining the next steps in the patient's dental care. Meanwhile, the hygienist at the specialist's office is responsible for the specific tasks they perform during their treatment but does not carry the overarching responsibility for the patient's complete care.

The patient themselves, while crucial to the process of their own care, is not held responsible for the professional decisions made by the healthcare providers. Similarly, the dental board's role is regulatory and does not extend to assuming responsibility for the care provided in individual patient scenarios. Thus, the referring dentist maintains the ultimate responsibility for ensuring that the patient's treatment is comprehensive and consistent with their needs.