Which statement is true regarding providing dental records to a patient’s new dentist?

• A. The dentist must furnish dental records or copies to the new dentist.
• B. The patient must keep the records.
• C. The new dentist must pay for the records.
• D. Records cannot be shared.

Answer: (A)

Sharing patient records between providers helps ensure safe, continuous care. When a patient moves to a new dentist, the dentist who held the records should release them or provide copies to the new dentist upon request, usually with the patient’s authorization. This allows the new dentist to review the patient’s history, prior diagnoses, treatments, and radiographs so treatment can proceed without unnecessary gaps or repeating procedures. The patient isn’t required to keep all records for transfer—the responsibility to release lies with the original practice. The new dentist isn’t required to pay for the records, though a reasonable copying fee may be charged by the releasing office. Records can be shared to support care, not withheld.