Dental Records Management
Patient records
The College is frequently contacted by dental offices as well as members of the public about the retention, release and transfer of patient records.
The Dental Records Management document is a comprehensive resource on all aspects of dental records management and reflects policies and protocols that are already in place.
Good dental records can facilitate quality care and ensure the continuity and comprehensiveness of oral health services. Practitioners are advised to keep patient records for 30 years following the last date of treatment.
The British Columbia Limitation Act states that a person has a maximum of 30 years to sue after the last date of treatment. In the case of minors, records must be kept for at least 30 years after the day on which the patient reaches the age of 19. If a patient is deceased, the executor or administrator of their estate can file a claim on behalf of the deceased within 30 years after the last date of treatment.