title: For the record. Understanding patient recordkeeping.
abstract: Patient recordkeeping is a vast and complex topic. However, by knowing the basics and following the path of least risk, a dentist will find that many practice problems and unwanted complications disappear. The article here explains what the patient record is; why it is maintained and for how long; what it should or should not contain; how to dispose of the record upon retirement, sale of a practice or death, and what to do when a patient wants a copy of the record.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lawney
mesh_terms: D003219:Confidentiality / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D003643:Death; D003792:Dental Records / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D011307:Drug Prescriptions; D006801:Humans; D003765:Models, Dental; D010067:Ownership; D011215:Practice Management, Dental / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D055656:Prescriptions; D011861:Radiography, Dental; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012179:Retirement