Taking Dental Xrays and Other Dental Records With Me
by Jenny
I ask because I have had difficulty in the past getting dental offices to release this information. I hate to have the work re-done at a different office, and I hate to cause a fuss if I really don't have a right to those dental tests. What would be the best course of action? Hi Jenny, You do have a right to your dental records including dental xrays. The dentist is also required to keep a copy of your records for a certain time. Most often the dental office keeps the originals and gives you a copy. Some ask that you request your records in writing, sign a release, or pay a copying fee. It's an annoying process and one that many times doesn't work well. Depending on how recently your X-rays have been taken, you may not need them. Most dentists take a full set of xrays (FMX) every 3-5 years and a smaller set called bitewing xrays once a year. The full set (18-20 individual xrays) is worth taking with you if it is less than 5 years old. Since bitewings are taken every year, they are not as important to get. Sometimes it is helpful to have older dental xrays for comparison but most dental problems can be diagnosed and treated with current xrays. Unless they are digital, copies of xrays lose some of the quality and are not as easy to read. Dentists who have digital xray equipment prefer to have digital xrays and may not want to use your previous x-rays if they are not digital. With all that in mind, if you still want your xrays and records, the best course of action would be to call your previous dentist and say you'll be by to pick up your xrays Monday morning at 10. I bet they will be ready when you get there:) ~Shelly~
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