A dentist's obligation includes making arrangements for emergency care for which type of patient?

The dentist's obligation to make arrangements for emergency care extends to both patients of record and any patient consulted in an emergency. This is grounded in the ethical duty of care that dental professionals owe to individuals who seek their help, regardless of their established status as a patient.

Patients of record are those who have an existing relationship with the dentist, often having received prior treatment planning and established medical history. For these patients, the obligation to ensure their emergency care is clear, as continuity of care is essential for their ongoing treatment and well-being.

Moreover, the inclusion of any patient consulted in an emergency emphasizes the dentist's responsibility to respond to urgent dental needs. This means that even if a person is not already a patient, if they approach the dentist during a dental emergency, the dentist has an ethical obligation to provide assistance or arrange for care, reflecting the commitment to patient welfare and public health.

This holistic approach aligns with the standards of care expected within the dental profession and underscores the importance of responsiveness in emergency situations, reinforcing the value of every individual's dental health, whether they are established patients or not.