Which professional is authorized to maintain a dental record?

The dentist is the professional authorized to maintain a dental record due to their role and responsibilities within the dental practice. In the context of dental jurisprudence, the dentist is considered the primary care provider who establishes the patient relationship and is legally responsible for the patient’s overall care, including the documentation of their dental health history, treatments performed, and ongoing care plans.

Maintaining dental records is essential for providing continuity of patient care, legal protection for the practitioner, and adherence to state regulations concerning patient information. Only licensed professionals such as dentists have the requisite training and legal authority to create, manage, and ensure the accuracy and completeness of these records.

While dental assistants, dental hygienists, and receptionists play integral roles within the dental practice, their responsibilities typically involve assisting in patient care, performing hygiene duties, or managing administrative functions. These professionals may contribute to record-keeping by gathering initial patient information or notes on dental hygiene visits; however, they do not possess the authority or responsibility to maintain or oversee the official dental records of the patients. Hence, the dentist's exclusive authority in maintaining those records is rooted in their professional training and legal accountability.