In a multi-dentist practice, who must a patient of record have responsible for all treatments?

In a multi-dentist practice, the patient of record must have a specific dentist designated as the dentist of record who is responsible for all treatments provided. This dentist of record is the one who has established a formal relationship with the patient, reviewed their medical history, performed the initial examination, and maintains overall responsibility for the patient’s care. This designation ensures that there is accountability and continuity in the patient's treatment, allowing for properly coordinated care and record-keeping.

In contrast, while the head dentist or any on-call dentist may be involved in the patient's care, they do not have the specific ongoing responsibility and oversight that the dentist of record does. Assigning treatment responsibilities solely to any available dentist could lead to fragmented care, lack of accountability, and potential lapses in following up on the patient's treatment plan. Each patient's individualized treatment needs are best managed by a consistently identified dentist who is familiar with their specific case and history.