Dental Practice Coverage: What Happens When Your Dentist is Away?

Standard of care requires continuity. When a dentist is unavailable (vacation, illness, conference), the practice must ensure:

1. Covering Dentist

• Partner, associate, or locum tenens with active license & malpractice.
• Credentialed at the facility (if hospital-based).
• Access to patient records (EHR).

2. Emergency Protocol

• 24/7 emergency contact (answering service → covering dentist).
• Clear patient instructions: "For urgent dental needs, call [number]."
• Protocol for: trauma, severe pain, swelling, bleeding, lost restoration.

3. Communication

• Advance notice (email, text, portal, signage) with dates & covering provider name.
• Reschedule non-urgent appointments proactively.

4. Documentation & Handoff

• Brief summary for complex ongoing cases (root canal in progress, implant healing, surgical sites).
• Pending lab/radiograph results flagged.

5. Solo Practitioners — Critical

• Must have written coverage agreement with colleague(s).
• State dental board may require notification.
• Malpractice carrier often mandates coverage plan.

Patient rights: Access to timely care, informed consent, record access — unchanged by provider absence.