What does a dental record contain?

A dental record is a comprehensive document that encompasses all relevant dental information regarding a patient. This includes details such as the patient's medical history, dental treatments performed, radiographs, treatment plans, notes from dental exams, and observations regarding oral health. The main purpose of the dental record is to provide a clear and thorough account of a patient's dental health and history, which can be referred to for ongoing patient care and future treatments.

While financial details about treatment or unrelated personal information may be kept in separate patient files, they are not considered part of the official dental record. Also, documentation of staff training impacts the practice environment but does not pertain directly to an individual patient's dental information. Thus, the accurate identification of a dental record as encompassing the dental information recorded about a patient is crucial for ensuring continuity of care and adherence to legal and ethical standards in dental practice.