The importance of your dental records should not be overlooked. Your dental records document all of the dental treatments performed and all communications that occurred between you and the dentist and the hygienist. Your x-rays are just as important as your records as they can detect oral health problems such as cavities, gum disease, and oral infections at their earliest stages.
It is essential to understand that your original records and x-rays belong to your dentist. However, your dentist cannot deny you a copy of these items. If you do request a copy, know that you may be charged with a preparation and mailing fee.
Once you have copies of your record and x-rays, there are a few ways you can use them. You can request corrections to be made to them, ask your local dentist whether your information is being used or shared, decide whether your information is being shared with marketing agencies, and ask for a report explaining why your information was shared.
Since the original records and x-rays do belong to your dentist, your dentist may access them whenever they need to. If you’re out of town, know that they may get a hold of them. Keep in mind, however, that your dentist must adhere to all HIPPA regulations. Enacted in 1996, HIPAA is an effort to ensure patient security. Thanks to HIPAA, your medical information must be kept private.
Contact River Run Dental
If you’d like further details on your rights to dental records and x-rays as a patient, don’t hesitate to call our Short Pump, VA office at (804) 262-1060.