Are dentists obliged to provide emergency dental services at all hours to their patients of record?

Dentists are not legally obligated to provide emergency dental services at all hours to their patients of record. While it is essential for dentists to care for their patients and address urgent needs, the law does not mandate that they be available 24/7 for emergencies. This flexibility allows practitioners to manage their schedules and maintain a work-life balance while still fulfilling their duty to provide care during reasonable hours.

In practice, many dentists may choose to offer some form of emergency care, either through an on-call service or by providing information about where patients can seek help outside regular office hours. However, there is no legal requirement that dictates they must be available at all times. Understanding this framework allows dental professionals to set appropriate boundaries around their availability while still providing quality care to patients.