Module 5 focuses on patient appointments and care. The module discusses appointment systems, scheduling appointments, handling missed appointments, and managing emergencies using an appointment system. It provides information on avoiding wrongful termination of care and patient abandonment, preventive recall programs, and managing the continuum of care. The module also offers detailed information on informed consent (including for minors), informed refusal, developing follow-up instructions, and providing interpretation services.

Learning Objectives

• Explain why clinics are often faced with a high demand for urgent care on short notice.
• State what appointment scheduling depends on.
• Describe how to minimize the negative impact of missed appointments.
• Explain how many clinics make time to treat patients with emergencies.
• Explain the consequences of a dentists ceasing to provide treatment to a patient.
• Describe the purpose of recall appointments.
• Explain the meaning of “continuum of care.”
• Explain the meaning of “informed consent.”
• Explain the meaning of “informed refusal.”
• List two negative consequences of unclear follow-up instructions.
• Describe clinics’ responsibilities related to providing interpretation services.

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