What is your obligation regarding a patient calling after hours with severe pain?

The obligation to accommodate a patient experiencing severe pain as soon as reasonably possible is grounded in the ethical duty of care that dental professionals hold towards their patients. When a patient contacts a dental office after hours expressing severe pain, it indicates that they are in distress and may require urgent attention.

Prioritizing patient comfort and health is essential in the practice of dentistry. By accommodating the patient promptly, the dentist aligns with the principles of beneficence—acting in the best interest of the patient—and non-maleficence—avoiding harm. This approach promotes trust and ensures that the patient receives timely intervention, which can alleviate their pain and potentially prevent further complications.

In contrast, requesting the patient to wait until office hours may contribute to unnecessary suffering and can be viewed as a failure to provide adequate care. Directing the patient to the nearest emergency room could be appropriate in cases where their condition is beyond the scope of dental treatment. However, if the dental issue can be addressed within the practice, accommodating them directly is the better option. Asking for insurance information before addressing their urgent need undermines the immediate care required and is not ethically justifiable in such a scenario.