Accessing your Dental Records
Did you know you have the right to access your dental records?
We are committed to keeping you informed about your treatment and answering any questions you might have. The information you are seeking can often be easily provided if you ask your dentist during your next appointment.
Do you want your dental records from your previous dentist? Do you want your dental records stored with us? No problem! We are happy to help you with this. Just let us know.
If you require more detailed or historical information, or specific documents, accessing that health information may require some time and, in the case of electronic clinical information, provision of this information in a readable format. Download Form Here
Under privacy law, patients have rights of access to dental information held about them by this practice. If you would also like to see the records we hold about you and your treatment please let us know.
The following procedure has been developed to ensure that requests for copies of documents and/or viewing of your record that are unable to be dealt with during your consultation are dealt with as efficiently as possible:
- All requests for access or copies of dental records, should be made in writing, using the form provided, and addressed to the attention of your treating dentist.
- The total time between the receipt of a request for access and the time when access is granted will generally not exceed 30 days. Where it is not possible for access to be granted within 30 days, you will be notified, in writing, of this and advised when access will be possible.
- If your dentist feels that it is necessary to review the documents you requested with you in person, you will be advised of this and arrangements then made to meet with you.
- Where access is refused to part of your dental file, you will be advised in writing of the reasons for refusal and your dentist will contact you to discuss whether there are any other means by which access to this information may be facilitated.
- You will not be permitted to remove any of the contents of your dental file from the dental practice, nor will you be permitted to alter or erase information contained in the dental record. However, if you believe any of the information is inaccurate please advise your treating dentist who will review the information.
- Where you request a copy of your file to be provided to you, where practicable, a dentist will be present when access is granted to your file so that he or she may go through the contents of your file, and address any concerns that you may have in relation to the information contained within the file. A fee may be charged in relation to this attendance.
- As the records contain confidential health information about you, we will generally require you to collect the copy of your records in person. However, if this is not practicable, we may agree to provide the copy to a person authorised by you. This person will be required to provide appropriate identification.
Should you have any queries in relation to the above, our practice staff are happy to address these for you. Should you wish to make an application for access please approach our reception staff and they will assist you in getting under way with your application.
Need Dental Help?
If you're in need of dental care, don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to help and look forward to assisting you as quickly as possible.