Patient Records: How Long is Too Long?

Many dentists and dental specialists ask, how long should I keep my patient records? The answer is to check your state’s laws and regulations, but do try to keep them as long as possible. There is no reason why with today’s modern efficiencies in managing and storing electronic health records (“EHR”) that a practitioner should be discarding patients’ EHRs.

State laws govern the length of time that providers must maintain their medical records, and some states have different time limits applicable to certain types of providers and/or certain patients. Dentists will find such information in their state’s dental practice act that pertains to patients’ record keeping.

These state laws exist to ensure the safety and protect its citizens. Remember, if something were to happen to a dentist, adequate records must be kept so that another dentist is able to understand the patient history and treatment, and be able to render any necessary treatment.