Dental records

[bond]

I thought dental records had to be kept for life, but apparently a max of 11 yrs is standard now for adults. I just wondered about it because if one has a dental x-ray then I thought it would be kept, in case of identification, if the patient were to be in a serious accident where other methods of identification were not possible. Also just for general records, like your gp would need to know your health history, I thought it would be prudent for dental records to be transferred if you change dentist, but today (registering with a new dentist) I was told this doesn't happen. Just wanted some confirmation/thoughts. Thanks.

[sara3]

http://www.dentalheal...tail.php?LeafletID=30


Question:
What happens to my records if I change my dentist?
Answer:
Your records belong to your dentist, and are not passed on to your new dentist. Your new dentist can ask your previous dentist for a report on your dental treatment or you can ask for copies of your records to be sent to your new dentist. However, most dentists simply make their own records. Under the NHS, dentists have to keep dental records for at least 2 years, but it is recommended that they keep them for a minimum of 11 years for adults. Most private dentists will keep the records for the same amount of time as the NHS recommendation.
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